LEGO Interview - Glen Bricker

For many years, LEGOs have influenced many people in many ways. So, I decided to talk with some people about their LEGO life, and how they got started. My first guest happens to run the LEGO website Brickset, along with his many companions. He also has submitted many sets onto LEGO Ideas, including a Doctor Who set (https://ideas.lego.com/projects/16291), which is in review at the present. I figured that I should first interview a figure that many may recognize.

On that note, let's all say hi to Glen Bricker of Brickset and LEGO Ideas.

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Q: What got you started on LEGOs?

A:  My parents.   I have very fond memories of the 80’s Space and Castle sets.   As I grew up I did have some Dark Ages but the Exo-Force got me back into the hobby.  Then I got obsessed with building a LEGO build of a fiction vehicle called a Hammership from Spelljammer.  I attended a “TexLUG” meeting which didn’t give me a good vibe but then Brick Fiesta came to Austin and that is basically when I got seriously hooked.

Q: What sort of stuff did you create?

A:  I tend to model (build MOC recreations of specific subjects) more than freebuild, as should be evident by my Ideas projects.  I also like to incorporate gearwork into builds whenever I can. 

Q: How about LEGO Ideas/Cuusoo? How did you find out about this?

A:  I am not sure exactly how I found out about the site.  It has been so long.  My campaign to get the Corellian Defender produced is what really got me involved with the site. 

Q: What sort of things do you make for LEGO Ideas?

A:  You can find them all right here: https://ideas.lego.com/profile/GlenBricker/projects

Q: What is your prized creation, the favorite set you’ve made for Cuusoo/Ideas?

A:  For Ideas, my favorite, personal project is the Discworld (https://ideas.lego.com/projects/36302).  I have had an amazing experience with all the collaborative projects I have done though.  Working with these amazing people has been phenomenal.

Q: Recently, your set Doctor Who reached 10,000 supporters, and has now gone on to the Review Stage. How do you feel about that?

A:  Every project milestone achieved is a great rush.  As far as waiting to find out the results, my philosophy is to hope for the best, but expect the worst.    The worst in this case is really not that bad anyway.  If the set does not get produced, I still got to share this great experience with thousands of other people.    

Q: Other than LEGOs, what else do you spend your time doing?

A:  Well, that depends on what you mean by “LEGO.”  Beyond the building, blogging, coding,and yes, LEGO socializing I have spend time with my family, work, game, and read comics.   Now I am also planning Brick Fiesta 2015 with my fellow co-chairs. 

Q: How many years do you plan to spend time on LEGOs?

A:  I don’t have any plans to stop at the moment.

Q: Do you have any upcoming sets you’d be willing to talk about, plans that you have?

A:  Sorry, I don’t talk about future projects in the public. 

Q: What tips do you have for other LEGO builders, and LEGO Ideas members?

A:  For builders, I suggest you join your local LUG.  If you don’t have a local LUG, I suggest you make one.

For LEGO Ideas members:

- Collaborate with other people who share your passion for the project.

-  Don’t rush to publication.  Do your research.  Make your project as professional and well thought out as possible.

-  Publishing your project is the easy part.  If you are serious about getting to 10,000 you need to promote your project. 

-  Have fun with it.

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Thank you, Glen, for giving me the chance to interview you. I hope that we will have this chance again.

To the viewers, if you know of anyone who would be willing to talk about how LEGO has been a part of their life, please let me know. I would enjoy talking with them.

Your friend,

Xendor.

LEGO Ideas Review - Ummester's Battle Mech

Now this is what I call a war machine. Tall, strong, and armed to the teeth, this machine looks like it was made to fight.

 

Here, we can see some of the mech. Up top, we have two Rocket Launchers containing twelve rockets each. On the arms, we have two turrets, and removable hand guns on the sides of the cockpit.

Here's the weaponry off of the mech. Though Ummester didn't explain how each weapon worked, the small light-grey parts on each turret remind me of the sensors used to find long-range targets.

Here, we have a better close-up of one of the turrets.

Here, we have a look at the back. On back, there are two Plasma Canisters. These are what powers the mech, keeping the mech standing till it runs out.

Here, we can see that the cockpit is detachable. If the mech is in major disrepair and is unable to function, or if heavy artillery is heading towards it, the pilot can eject, and then take the hand weapons mounted on the side of the vehicle.

When this set was first released, he provided two different designs. The first of which, made out of real legos, seems to have a colored pattern for camouflage in a jungle environment. The second one makes me think of a forest.

But in a recent update, he introduced to us a mech for space. This one would go well with the Classic Space sets that have recently been coming back, or even any of the old ones that are now collector's items.

As usual, I sent a list of questions for the creator of the set to answer.

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Xendor: Welcome, Ummester.

Ummester: Hi Xendor, glad to be here

Xendor: I must say, your Battle Mech is quite an impressive design. What inspired you to build it?

Unmester: As mentioned on LEGO ideas, my children and I were always trying to make FASA style mecha out of our Exo Force sets. I had this itch to complete a final model from our playing. When I became comfortable with using LDD, I designed this mech.

Xendor: How long did it take for you to build it?

Unmester: For my MOCs I generally design in LDD first now, then order parts, then build. As this build was completed along with a larger build and parts were being ordered for both at the same time, it is hard to say exactly how long it took. I would estimate the mech took around 2 days of LDD design work. At only 520 pieces, it can be constructed in under an hour.

Xendor: My favorite part about this set has got to be the sleek detail that it holds, while hosting the large, bulky components around it, presenting a powerful figure. What was the best part about this set for you?

Unmester: The olive – I love the new(ish) olive colour and was happy to include so much of it in this build. Structure wise I like the way the shoulder missile pods and rear plasma tanks connect so solidly and seamlessly to the main body.

Xendor: LEGO will soon be releasing the LEGO set Exo-Suit that had received 10,000 supporters in January of 2013. How well do you think your set will compete?

Unmester: The Exo-Suit is a cool little build. I can’t really say how well my Battle Mech will compete – it depends on how much the community likes it, I guess. I can say this: If the Battle Mech project reaches 1000 supporters, I will post renders of the mech in various colour schemes. If the project reaches 2000 supports, I will post an LDD file/building instructions.

Xendor: Do you have anything to say to our fellow LEGO builders out there?

Unmester: Keep building – and don’t forget to make time for your family and friends, no matter how addictive it gets.

Xendor: Thank you for your time. This is an amazing set.

Unmester: Cheers and thank you for your support.

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Thank you, visitor, for reading this article. Please, go to this link, https://ideas.lego.com/projects/69911,

and support the set.

Also, if you have any ideas as to how I can improve this blog, or know of a set on LEGO Ideas you would like me to review, don't hesitate to comment.

Your friend,

Xendor.

Operation: Steam Knights - Phoenix Changeling

One of the most common members of LEGO Ideas is Pittstop. And I must say, he does an amazing job.

For a two years, he has been making sets for a theme he calls Operation: Steam Knights, composing of both a Steam Punk and Fantasy world. This has brought the creation of many amazing creations, his most recent of which being the Changelings, machines that are able to transform from one thing to another. This one is he Phoenix.

The story of this creation is one that could be used in many stories and still draw people's attention. Here it is, word for word. The story of Cyndurr, of the Wyvern Clan.

Cyndurr was once high among the Wyvern sect, till he realised that an evil force was manipulating their visions and leading their world to disaster. Having exposed the evil he was unable to convince his allies of the wrong they were doing and in desperation sought the aid of the elves of Fire Mountain.

The fire elves, who had long known of the dark threat manipulating the Wyvern clan, took pity on the wretched fallen knight and granted him one wish. He wished for the power to restore the honour of his clan and save the world. Laughing at the audacity to try and cheat two wishes phrased as one the elves granted his wish, casting his Steam Knight armour into the lava pits of Fire Mountain, only for it to be reborn as the seemingly unstoppable Phoenix Steam Knight Changeling.

But powered by the element of fire and the magic of elves, this lost Wyvern Clan member finds his quest to free his people and save the world more difficult than ever as he no longer belongs with the very knights he seeks to save.

Forced to forge an alliance with his former enemy Emperor Rex, Cyndurr becomes one of the courts most powerful allies. But also one of its most lonely.

This is what makes Operation: Steam Knights one of the greatest themes on LEGO Ideas for me. Not only do we have the combination of technology and magic, we also have many characters and machines with strange and fantastic stories.

But what about the Phoenix? Well, for one, the Phoenix is one of my favorite fictional creatures, second to the dragon. For another, the rider, Cyndurr, is unique in his desperation to save his only friends from the hands of evil, fighting alongside the very people that he fought against.

The design itself it amazing. I love the fiery wings that it holds, as well as the flaming sword that is the tail of the Phoenix. Also, it provides many gold chrome parts, which in production would provide a shiny, reflective lighting that would make it seem like it was glowing from its flames.

As usual, I sent a list of questions for the creator to answer. Here is the interview I had with Pittstop.

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Xendor: Welcome, Pittstop. I’m really excited to talk with you about this set of yours.

Pittstop: Thanks for the invitation.

Xendor: First of all, Operation: Steam Knights. What is it?

Pittstop: Operation: Steam Knights is a fusion of magic and steam punk set in a medieval setting.  It's the answer to the question "What if King Arthur had a mech".

Xendor: How many of these sets do you have on LEGO Ideas?

Pittstop: That's a difficult one, back when Lego Ideas started "concepts" could be pitched, so some of my ideas included more than one design.  Since the rules were changed to include only individual set ideas I've uploaded 17, but in that 17 there are probably around 20 individual mechs and sets.

Xendor: Your most recent one is the Changeling “Phoenix.” I must say, this is probably one of your best models. What inspired you to build it?

Pittstop: I have no idea, the basic concept for the "changelings" was to incorporate transforming mecha to the series, which I've been doing slowly over two years now, but this specific design was a "doodle".  Basically I build until it looks like something and then post it.

Xendor: What feature are you most proud about it?

Pittstop: I think the wings, I was trying something new and it turned out much better than I hoped.

Xendor: Where do you intend on going with Operation: Steam Knights?

Pittstop: At the moment I have only one future design planned and that is a Changeling which converts to a Griffon.

Xendor: What do you have to say to those reading this article?

Pittstop: Please support my creations on Lego Ideas - but seriously, I'd say check out Lego Ideas, there is a lot of great stuff there.  I get a lot of inspiration just browsing the popular sets.

Xendor: Thank you. It has been a pleasure reviewing your set.

This set, and many other Operation: Steam Knights, deserve production. And I'm glad I got to review it.

Please, let me know what you like about this set, and how I can improve my reviews.

Have a good day. Your friend,

Xendor

6/24/2014 Update

Well, I'm all caught up on my story, Bionicle: The Return. This will end my daily postings of each chapter, however I still encourage you to go and look at each chapter. And please, leave me a comment about what you think of it! Your opinions can make it better.

Coming up, I'm hoping to get a chance to interview a LEGO Ideas member that participates in other LEGO community projects. I also have a few more sets that I intend on reviewing, and am always looking for other LEGO Ideas members to interview and projects to review.

Hope you guys are having a great time.

Your friend,

Xendor.

Bionicle: The Return - Chapter 14: Tajun in Ruins

For months now, the people of Spherus Magna have been preparing for war. Word of the Unknown and her incredible strength spread far and wide, and when news of her growing army reached them they began sending troops to all of the villages near that area. One of which was the water capitol, Tajun.

Tajun has already been attacked before. Before the Battle of the Titans, a Skrall Leader named Tuma led an army of Skrall and Bone Hunters against this magnificent city. Now, with the threat of a new threat challenging this rebuilt, grander city, the people have a sense of sorrow and disappointment.

Tarix: What is the point of placing troops here? We’re evacuating anyway.

Ackar: We don’t know what the enemy is up to. They may very well be on their way over here. If they are, we need to buy the villagers as much time as possible.

Tarix: They can fight.

Kiina: But they’ve never fought anything like this. You of all should know this.

Tarix: Neither have any of the New Guardians.

Ackar: But they’ve trained.

Ackar took hold of both of Tarix’s shoulders.

Ackar: I know you care for Glacia. But our first priority is the villagers.

Tarix sighed, and nodded. Ackar patted him on the shoulder, than looked out of the tower to the bordering walls surrounding the village. He then heard someone step into the room.

Gali: Everyone’s ready. We’ve begun taking shifts.

Ackar: Thank you, Gali.

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Teridax and the Unknown stared at Tajun from miles away as Tyrant explained the details about the city.

Tyrant: The city is surrounded by fifty foot thick stone walls. And they have troops setting up along the perimeter. On the western side of the city, they’re evacuating both Matoran and Agori, as well as a few Glatorian and Toa.

Teridax: But not enough to protect them.

Tyrant: Barely. We’ll have to attack the middle of the line if we want to really cause an affect.

Teridax: Very good. Do it.

Teridax stroked his chin. What were they going to do about the walls?

Teridax: Unknown, you said your father donned to you the ability to control matter, yes?

Unknown: That is correct.

Teridax looked at her.

Teridax: To what scale?

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Jonn looked at the massive number of troops before them.

Guanka: That’s a lot of enemies.

Jonn: Nothing we can’t handle. Remember what Tahu used this armor to do.

Shycle: I would love to share your optimism, but I don’t think the armor will act on its own again, now that the pieces are separated.

Jonn sighed and nodded.

Jonn: It was a good idea.

Bolder: Practice makes perfect. Of course, we’ve had no Rahkshi to practice with, and the only Rahkshi around happens to be down there.

Tayr: Not necessarily. You might want to get down.

Everyone laid on the ground. Keeping quiet, they heard some croaky growls and tiny shrieks of a patrolling Rahkshi squad. Jonn looked at Bolder and nodded. Touching the ground, Bolder used his powers to trap the Rahkshi’s feet in stone.

But then one of the Rahkshi shrieked an ear piercing scream. Immediately, a scream sounded from the camp, and a portion of the army began moving in their direction.

Shycle: Nice one, boys.

She jumped up and fired a beam of ice at the Rahkshi, only for it to evaporate.

Jonn: Looks like we’ve got a Rahkshi of heat.

Bolder and Clarrik: Got it.

The two of them summoned earth and stone, and threw it at the Rahkshi. However, a force field appeared, decimating the projectiles.

Guanka: That’s a new one.

Jonn: Teridax could’ve experimented with a Hau. We better get out of here.

The Rahkshi then broke free of their stone bonds and surrounded the Toa.

Shycle: Don’t think they want us to leave.

Suddenly, fire jetted over the Rahkshi, burning the Kraata inside.

Tahu: Good work. Now you’ve got their attention.

Jonn: Sorry, Tahu. We just need to figure out how to activate the armor.

Tahu: So, they handed down my Golden Armor, huh. Well, you don’t need Rahkshi to learn how to control it. Now let’s get out of here, before the rest of them show up.

They ran away from the army, and came upon a group of Toa and Glatorian.

Berix: Well, hello.

Shycle: Shut up, Berix.

Bolder: Oooh, Shycle’s got a… ooff.

Shycle drew her elbow away from Bolder’s gut.

Shycle: You too.

Tahu: Enough. We need to get out of here. Come on.

They ran, and Tayr spun around and used his air powers to stir up the sand, leaving traces of their existence nonexistent. After running for twenty minutes, Tahu said it was safe to stop.

Tahu: That was very foolish of you.

Jonn: Well, sorry, but we don’t quite know how this stuff works.

Tahu: That is no reason to throw away your life like that.

Jonn stared defiantly at Tahu. Tahu then sighed.

Tahu: You’re new to fighting in war. Until you…

Jonn: New to war? Who held off the Rahi surrounding Lewa-Mata while you Toa were gone searching for a legendary relic? Who held off the Rahi, Skakdi and all other stuff that Makuta threw at us, while the Toa left searching for a way to defeat Makuta? Who had to get everyone to shelter, as our universe, our home, collapsed around us? You think I’m new to war? If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that war is rash, and comes at a cost.

Tahu: Only if you make it so, Jonn of the Shadow Faction.

Everyone else stared at Jonn in surprise. Jonn looked at Tahu with a sad smile on his face.

Jonn: How’d you know?

Tahu: Only one Matoran did all that you did.

Jonn: Well, the Shadow Faction was not my team. At least, not at first. That was the army we were fighting.

Tahu: That still doesn’t permit the action you took against them.

Jonn laughed out loud.

Jonn: Where’d you get your information from? Teridax? We fought and killed all that assaulted our walls, loosing thousands. Then we made the assault. We drove them to the ground. Not one survived. At least, none that were there. We had minimum casualties. But what thanks do we get for defeating those murderers? Rebuke. Shunned from our home. So we left, and began searching for whoever was working for Teridax, hunting them down. Then came the Rahkshi.

Jonn punched the ground.

Jonn: We lost 37501 of our good men, out of 45493. The battles lasted till we reached Metru Nui. The Rahkshi then retreated, and we thought we would have time to recover. But then the tremors. As Teridax and Mata Nui battled, many structures began to collapse. We had to begin evacuation, taking everyone to the sturdier parts of Teridax. We lost about 1500 of our men from the quakes alone. About 25% of the neighboring Matoran and Toa were lost as well. Then, one more quake happened when Aqua Magna hit Teridax. All the systems deactivated, including the artificial gravity. We were scrambling for a footing as our universe collapsed. After the collapse, only 3521 of us survived. Only a shadow of what was left. So, we renewed the name Shadow Faction. Members of the original Shadow Faction came, seeking judgment and redemption from their past crimes. So we tried them, imprisoned them, and after ten years enlisted them to us. We left the corpse of our universe as everyone began to throw the Rahkshi corpses into the depths, and the Bohrok began destroying the circuitry, and all the mechanics of the machine, leaving only the shell. Our home gone, we left to the jungles, only to be assaulted by creatures known as Vorox, as well as many creatures neither we nor the Agori knew about. In the end, only ten percent of us were left. So we came back here, and placed ourselves as part of society. Some of us changed our names, some our masks. Originally, I had a Kanohi Aki, Mask of Valor. But when I returned, I found a Mask Maker, and paid him to make me a Kanohi Mahiki, Mask of Illusion. Ha, fitting, isn’t it? Turaga Matau used his Mahiki when he was a Toa to disguise himself as whatever he chose. I used it to hide my true identity. Anyway, I then joined a Kolhii team, and began teaching the Agori how to play. No one ever suspected me.

Tahu: That’s why you’ve got a scythe and a shield. You played goalie.

Jonn: That’s right. After that, I had a normal life. Till now.

Berix: Now you’ve become a Toa, fighting alongside the heroes of old.

Jonn: Yes.

Shycle leaned back.

Shycle: So that’s why you decided a live testing. To the point.

Jonn: If we don’t do something now, we may be too late.

Tahu: Then let me teach you. I know how this armor works, I can train you to control it.

Clarrik: But even you couldn’t control it.

Tahu: Well, I couldn’t control where the power went. I could, however, control when to unleash it. And since each of you has a piece of the set, each of you has a sixth of the power. It will be easier to control for you.

Female: Tahu!

Everyone looked to see two Glatorian and a Toa running towards them. It was a Glatorian, Chila, who had called out.

Chila: Tahu, the enemy’s attacking.

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Teridax looked out as his army of Rahkshi and Vahki moved in towards the city. As soon as they passed over the hill, he could hear the trumpets sounding the alarm. Thirty seconds later, strange objects came at them and began hammering at them, some of them even exploding. As he watched, the Unknown stepped in front of him and lifted her arm. An incoming projectile slowed down, and floated in front of her hand.

Unknown: This is some sort of fruit.

Teridax: Really? Let me see it.

The Unknown handed the strange fruit to Teridax. It was rock hard, but at the same time light and fragile. Teridax stared at it, amazed at its texture. He then remembered something.

Teridax: This is the same thing the Skrall had.

Unknown: It must have some sort of chemical that, when the fruit’s ripe, will explode.

Teridax held the fruit before him for a little longer. Then he punched it with his fist. Sure enough, it exploded in his face, though it didn’t even faze him. All the Rahkshi guarding them looked at him to make sure he was okay, then faced back towards Tajun.

Unknown: So what’s next?

Teridax: Once our forces reach the wall, you will tear it down. Then, as the Matoran and Agori begin fleeing and panicking, Tyrant will take his army of Skrall and breach right in the middle. The Toa will be surrounded, and there will be enough survivors to warn everyone else what we can do, putting them into chaotic fear.

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Ackar and his fellow companions were firing all that they got. But they were almost out of Thornax fruit.

Ackar: Toa, it’s your turn.

The Glatorian stepped back, readying their weapons. Meanwhile, the Toa brought out their launchers and began firing. Yet still the enemy came.

Tarix: We’re not having any effect on them.

Ackar: Then it’s time for stage 3. Everyone, use your elemental power to the best of your abilities. Let’s go!

Toa and Glatorian summoned up their power. Earth, stone, and fire burst up from the ground. Water formed mucks. Wind blew the enemy around. More and more traps were set, making the enemies progress weaker, but no slower. Soon, Vahki and Rahkshi reached the wall. But then they stopped.

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Tahu and the others stared over the hill behind the two titanic figures. Shycle had made a set of binoculars, one for each, out of ice. But what they saw made no sense.

Jonn: Why’d they stop? They’re not even blocking a shot.

Tahu: I don’t know. There’s enough Rahkshi there to breach a hole through the wall.

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Teridax: Ready?

Unknown: See you there.

The Unknown then ran forward, charging through the army before her as they scrambled out of her way. In a matter of minutes, she too was before the wall. By then, the Toa and Glatorian had ceased fire, believing that they wished to discuss terms of surrender. Though with no intentions of conceding, they would listen to them anyway.

They had no idea how wrong they were.

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Ackar: WHAT DO YOU WANT, UKNOWN?

Unknown: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Ackar: I DON’T KNOW. WE’VE NEVER REALLY GOTTEN TO TALK.

Unknown: WELL, TALKS OVER.

Suddenly, before their very eyes, the wall began to disintegrate. The front turned to sand, and the erosion proceeded towards them.

Ackar: RETREAT! RETREAT!

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Tahu: What in Mata Nui’s name is going on there?

Jonn looked carefully. Suddenly he knew.

Jonn: Bolder, concentrate on that wall. Try to hold it together.

Bolder: Yes, sir!

Tahu: Jonn?

Jonn: The Unknown is disintegrating the wall. We need to stop her.

Bolder: I can’t hold it. She’s too powerful. Even if I was next to it, I can’t do this. She’s literally breaking it down.

Jonn: Then it’s time to make a distraction.

Tahu: Not so fast. What are you thinking?

Jonn: How about an explosion, or a series of explosions, right in the middle of the army?

Tahu: You plan on doing that?

Jonn: Yes, sir.

Tahu: Alright, you and your team go do that. I’ll deal with Teridax.

Golden Toa: Right away.

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Unknown: Is there a Voyeyahk here?

Voyeyahk: Here.

Unknown: Someone’s resisting my power. Whoever it is will delay our plan by five minutes. We can’t waste a second. Tell some of your kind to help me.

The Voyeyahk then shrieked, and ten Rahkshi stepped forward. They then began swinging their weapon, and bit by bit pieces of the wall exploded at the point of contact.

Akingi: Unknown, can you hear me.

Unknown: Yes, I can.

Akingi: What’s going on over there?

Unknown: Someone’s resisting me. I asked the Rahkshi to help.

Akingi: And the defenders?

Unknown: Retreated off the walls.

Akingi: Careful. I sense an army ahead of you. They must be on the other side of the wall.

Unknown: Waiting for me? That’ll be a brilliant welcome party. And their biggest mistake.

*********************************************************************************

Tarix: Everyone, aim at the wall!

Half of the defenders had remained behind. Tarix volunteered to take charge as Ackar helped evacuate the villagers. Glacia, Tarix’s girlfriend, stood by his side.

Tarix: Ready!

A hole appeared on the wall, eroding away. Everyone aimed at the wall. Then the erosion stopped.

Tarix: READY!

Suddenly, the wall exploded inward, and a swarm of Rahkshi and Vahki swept in.

Tarix: FIRE!

Far away, an explosion could be heared in unison with the firing projectiles.

*********************************************************************************

Bolder: Too late! They’ve broken through.

Jonn: Well, it was worth a try.

Shycle: And it worked. At least, partially. Over half of the enemy is already swarming that spot.

Jonn: Well, no one there. I’m going to help Tahu.

Shycle: No, Tahu told us before we split off that we are to go to Tajun.

Jonn: I know. I’m ordering you to obey his orders. But if Teridax is as powerful as he once was, he’ll need all the help he can get.

Shycle stared at him for a second. Suddenly, she froze Jonn in a giant piece of ice.

Clarrik: What’re you doing?

Tayr: Doing what Tahu said: getting everyone to Tajun.

*********************************************************************************

Tahu and his team were almost half way up the hill to Teridax.

Tahu: I’ll attack first.

Everyone else nodded. As soon as they reached the top, Teridax turned and looked at them. Tahu jumped at him, only to pass through the illusion. Teridax then appeared next to Tahu, and picked him up.

Teridax: Good job, Shakerahk. Now, go cause some chaos over there.

A Rahkshi bowed down, then ran towards the city. Meanwhile, Tahu’s team attempted to attack Teridax, only to be blocked off by his body guards.

Teridax: Well, guess it’s just you and me.

Akingi: You know, I’m starting to feel quite left out.

Teridax: Shut up.

Tahu: I… *cough*… I didn’t say… anything.

Teridax realized that Akingi had only spoken to him.

Akingi: Don’t worry, I know I’m the secret weapon. But I’m getting impatient. When do you plan on letting me free?

Teridax: Did you really think that you and your friends could beat me, Tahu?

Tahu: We… we hoped we could buy some time.

Teridax: Oh, I see. You wanted to help the villagers escape. Well then…

The Rahkshi pinned down Tahu’s team, and faced them towards the village.

Teridax: Be glad I decided to let you live… for now. You get to see how your work has not paid off. You see, the Skrall should be attacking about… now.

Suddenly, a swarm of blackness rose from the sand next to the fleeing villagers. Skrall who had proceeded underground, with the help of the Nui-Jaga they had caught.

*********************************************************************************

The Unknown looked over the borderline. The Toa and Glatorian had retreated, leaving behind their fallen companions. The Rahkshi and Vahki swarmed through the widening hole, breaking down the wall more and more.

As the Unknown looked around, she looked at all her victims. Every single one, frozen in stone. Her first victim, a Toa of Water, whose elemental power was frozen with her, creating a stone structure sticking over the area. The Glatorian of Fire, who had lost his arm. And the Skrall warriors who stood over their fallen brethren.

But one statue caught her eye. Two Glatorian were on the ground. A male, who had a staff belonging to a Rahkshi stabbed into his abdomen. And a female, holding his head in her arms as he lay across her lap. As she looked, a vision of a long past memory came to mind. Two lovers, a male, dying of radiation poisoning, and his wife, holding him in the same way.

Husband: Maryly. Please, go. You’ll die.

Wife: No. I’m not leaving you.

Trisa: Mam, you can’t stay here. Please, we must go.

Wife: No. I thank you for your offer, but I’m not leaving his side. Even if it means death.

Trisa: You’d rather die by this man then survive?

Wife: I’d rather die than leave my place by the ones I care about.

The vision passed, and the Unknown looked down at the two. What was happening when she killed them? Think, think. What were they saying?

She suddenly remembered.

*********************************************************************************

Glacia: Tarix!

Tarix: It’s okay! It doesn’t hurt.

Glacia: Doesn’t hurt? The spears gone all the way through you.

Tarix: And damaged my nervous system. I’m completely numb below my chest.

Glacia stroked Tarix’s forehead. Tarix then coughed, and looked into her eyes.

Tarix: Glacia, tell me what we’re going to do.

Glacia rocked back and forth, tears streaming down her eyes.

Glacia: We… we’re going to get married. Then we’re moving up north, to a jungle, and make a cabin by a lake.

Tarix: Yes, that’s it. Then what?

Glacia: We… we’re going to open a hotel. A vacation spot for everyone to come enjoy. And we’re going to raise a family.

Tarix: Yes. A… *cough*… A boy and a girl, right?

Glacia: That’s right. And a pet. You’ve always wanted a pet.

Tarix: Yes, but no bugs. Click, Mata Nui’s Scarabax was cute, but I still don’t want one as a pet.

Glacia: No bugs. Okay. How about a dog?

Tarix: That’s good. Agh!

Glacia: Easy, easy.

Tarix stared at her. Her eyes were still streaming, and her lips trembling.

Tarix: Glacia…

Glacia: Yes, Tarix?

Tarix: Tell me… tell me one more time. Say you love me.

Glacia looked down for a second, then back at Tarix.

Glacia: I love…

Then everything became stone silent.

*********************************************************************************

The Unknown stared at the two of them for a little longer. The longer she is on this planet, the more she’s realizing that there is not much difference. She looked at the surrounding area. The corpses, the ruins. And now she wonders, what is she fighting for?

Bionicle: The Return - Chapter 13: War Begins

Shycle: Look! Trees!

Jonn: I see them. We should be there by tomorrow morning.

It has been two days since we last were with the Toa of the Golden Armor, the only water source that they came across being a day’s worth each.

Guanka: I think I sense water over there.

Bolder: Think you could pull some over here.

Guanka: Let’s camp here. It’ll require a lot of concentration, but we’ll have water by the hour.

Everyone: Yay!

*********************************************************************************

Unknown: Tr… Trisa?

She jumped as someone knocked on her door. She picked up her sword and drove it through the door. The vapors making up her blade leaked through the cracks, and would’ve turned any unsuspecting individual into stone. Of course, Tyrant is much smarter than that.

Tyrant: You need to be more careful than that.

Unknown: You can’t be too cautious.

Tyrant opened the door.

Tyrant: But you can. You just made a prime example.

Unknown: No, I just gave an example of being too nervous.

Tyrant: What are you nervous about?

The Unknown suddenly realized she slipped her thoughts right out of her mouth.

Unknown: NEVER YOU MIND!

Tyrant then ducked out as the blade flew over his head and caught a dizzy fly. He then ran, calling back to her.

Tyrant: Teridax calls for you! He has an idea I think you’ll enjoy!

Unknown sat on her bed, sword reached out to the place where Tyrant’s head was standing. Why was she nervous? What was she afraid of?

*********************************************************************************

Unknown walked into the Throne Room. There, Teridax, Tyrant, Branar, and a few Rahkshi were standing around, waiting for her.

Teridax: Another nightmare?

Unknown: If I am able to get any sleep this week, it will be a miracle.

Teridax: Sorry, we make our own miracles.

Branar then pointed at the map.

Branar: We have been gathering information on the Toa and Glatorian since the fall of the Titans. But when they showed an increase in strength, Stronius sought to become a part of that strength. So he became a part of the Alliance. Still, we few loyal to our old ways remained apart, raiding merchant and trade transports. But then they took to the skies, with their flying Rahi, Toa and Glatorian.

Teridax: What about any flying machines?

Branar: They still have not figured out how those work. The Jetrax is especially trying. Apparently, one of your own, Makuta Antroz, connected with the Jetrax in a way unmatched with the others.

Teridax: He literally became one with the machine. Its power was greater than anything the Matoran have created.

Tyrant: And the source of its energy is unknown. Toa Lewa, according to a victim of mine, claimed that Antroz spoke of energy as old as the stars.

Unknown: But what energies are that powerful, or that ancient?

Teridax tapped his finger on the table.

Teridax: Creation and Chaos.

Tyrant: Sir?

Branar: Whatever created the universe must’ve held great amounts of energy. But there must be a form of Chaos that is strong enough to do the same thing.

Voyeyahk: But why would the Great Beings place the Universe’s most dangerous weapon in such an easily obtained vehicle as that?

Teridax: That’s a good question. And that’s why I called you here.

Unknown: So you knew all of this?

Teridax: Part of being a leader is allowing your people to figure it out for themselves. Now, the Jetrax is being held in one of the Villages of the Water Tribes, Tajun. Branar.

Branar: For a time, the Agori Berix was working on discovering how it works, along with multiple Matoran, till he was given the opportunity to become a Glatorian. Now, the Jetrax is being held in a chamber below the Communication Temple.

Tyrant: So we’re going to go get it.

Teridax: Only you and Branar will be attacking Tajun. The rest of us will be moving south. We must ready our troops for one great assault.

Branar: My Skrall warriors, and our brethren Bone Hunters, will begin a siege on the west side of the village. You, Tyrant, and an army of Vahki will attack on the east side. You will make a direct attack towards the temple, and obtain the Jetrax, while I keep them distracted. But remember, attack two minutes after I begin the assault.

Tyrant: When will this begin?

Branar: Sunrise, in one week.

Tyrant: Very well. Let’s get going.

Teridax: Wait. That isn’t the only reason why I called you here.

Everyone stared at Teridax, wondering what else he has in store.

Teridax: We can’t forget why we’re here. Each of us has the same goal: revenge. Not conquest. Not power. Revenge. By any means necessary.

Unknown: How far are you willing to go?

Teridax looked at her.

Akingi: As far as it can.

*********************************************************************************

Immediately, the two armies of Skrall and Vahki departed, destined to reach Tajun. But as they marched on, the Unknown is left wondering if the cost of revenge is too much.

*********************************************************************************

Jonn looked as campfires were put out, and the troops started moving.

Jonn: And I was hoping for a bread.

Bolder: Guess we march on?

Shycle: Shouldn’t we go check on the village? There may be survivors.

Jonn: I agree with Shycle. We can’t ignore the possibility that there may be survivors. And besides, Bolder, you can feel the tremor of their footsteps for miles. We’ll catch up to them.

Tayr: Well, let’s get going. If there are any survivors, I’d hate being them.

*********************************************************************************

The Toa of the Golden Armor crept up to the village. Not much was left standing, and most of the basements had been crushed in. But there was one place Shycle suspected wouldn’t be so easily smashed.

Shycle: Under the village capitol, there is a chamber made of 10 foot thick stone walls. It is a hundred yards wide, twenty feet tall, with five foot wide pillars spanning ten feet apart.

Jonn: So it’s really strong.

Bolder: Most structurally sound place I’ve ever heard of. Except for the titanic bodies the Great Beings made for Mata Nui.

They climbed over the ruined walls of the once proud structure that had kept watch over Teridax’s Tomb. Soon, they found the stairway that led down to the basement.

Shycle: Let’s go.

Shycle went first, while Bolder was last. Soon, they were at the door. It looked like something already had tried to get in. Beside it, ten Matoran and Agori laid, after paying with their lives to keep the attackers out.

Jonn: Close their eyes. They need to rest.

Guanka then closed their eyes, and washed all their armor of dust.

Shycle knocked on the door. Almost immediately, the door was opened. There, a Matoran stood, looking amazed and excited, as well as very dirty.

Matoran: Toa! We’ve got Toa!

A great commotion rose as Matoran and Agori swarmed the door way.

Jonn: What’s your name?

Matoran 1: My name is Ishklisa. I’m the leader of the surviving villagers.

Shycle: Pleased to meet you, miss.

Ishklisa: Pleasure’s all mine. But, how did you get past the army?

Clarrik: They left. They’re heading east.

Female: Not all of them.

The Toa then turned around to see a Rahkshi, one of a new color.

Rahkshi: I’m a Voyeyahk, a Rahkshi of Voices. And we’ve come back.

Bolder then sent a chunck of the wall at the Rahkshi, only for it to pass through.

Voyeyahk: Oh, I’m sorry, maybe I should be clearer. This is an illusion of the Voyeyahk. In reality, I’m a Shakerahk, a Rahkshi of Illusion. And I’m here to thank you. You see, we haven’t had any luck opening that door.

Jonn: So you waited for someone to come and open it for you.

Shakerahk: Well, not exactly. The door can only be unlocked from the inside. So, allow someone trustworthy to go in, and we come in from behind. Now how about you come out. I’d like to see how good of a fight you really are. Not a tossup like your rocky friend here.

Bolder: Why you…!

Bolder jumped at the illusion, only to get battered down by a swing of a staff from above.

Shakerahk: The thing about an entryway that faces up: sometimes, your predator is standing behind you.

Jonn: Quick. We must use our masks to create a shield that’ll allow us to exit.

Shycle: On it!

Shycle jumped at the entry way. As she reached it, she created an ice shield around her, strengthened by her mask.

Shycle: Let’s go, people!

All of the Toa burst out of the opening, and sent waves of elemental energy at the surrounding enemy. However, Rahkshi of all sorts swarmed them, some of them being illusions.

Jonn: We’re out numbered. Quick, form a shield around us and the villagers. We’re retreating!

They then created a dome around them, and ran. The Rahkshi attempted to follow them, but a shadowy figure appeared before them, and raised its right fist.

Ishklisa: Why aren’t they following?

Jonn: They don’t think we’re worth the effort.

After running to a safe distance, Jonn rested on one knee, looking into Ishklisa’s eyes.

Jonn: Go. Warn the nearest village of what’s happening. Take your people with you.

Ishklisa: What about you?

Bolder: We must go after the enemy. I don’t know where they’re going, but it isn’t good.

Jonn: We better go. Take care.

They then went off their separate ways. But as they ran, Jonn couldn’t help but wonder what they’re up against.

*********************************************************************************

Thesto looked to the west.

Thesto: Something’s coming this way.

Tahu and his party were on their way to New Mata Nui, and had just reached the bottom of the cliff. Tahu was still a distance up, but he jumped down and landed next to Thesto.

Tahu: Where?

Thesto: To the west.

Alizuo flew up over the trees, and headed in that direction. After a few minutes, she came back.

Alizuo: There’s an army heading west. But it is not heading in this specific direction.

Tahu: Where’s it headed?

Alizuo: To the Water Tribes.

Bionicle: The Return - Chapter 12: Enemy on the Move

Jonn: Guanka, think you could provide us with water?

Guanka: I’m afraid I will only be able to provide water a few more times. I’m beginning to feel thirsty myself.

The Toa of the Golden Armor have been travelling for some time, now. They are now in the only desert on Spherus Magna, at five hundred miles long, two hundred miles wide.

Bolder: But you’re a Toa of Water. Can’t you create water?

Guanka: Because of the lack in plant life, there isn’t enough oxygen.

Clarrik: I told you, we should’ve gone around.

Jonn: I know what you said. But if you would make your reasons a little clearer, than maybe we would’ve listened to you.

Tayr: Well, I have one good reason.

Jonn: And what’s that?

Tayr: What time is it?

Shycle looked up at the sun, which was to their back.

Shycle: I’d say about nine in the morning.

Tayr: Really? Why do you think that?

Jonn: Just get to the point!

Tayr: My point is, we’re going backwards. It’s actually about five in the afternoon. I know, because the sun passed right over our heads a while ago.

******************************************

The Rahkshi of Voices walked into Teridax’s chambers.

Voyeyahk: Sir, the Vahki have detected a large mass moving towards us.

Akingi: I sense Tyrant.

Teridax got up out of his throne and began exiting the room.

Teridax: About time! What has that idiot been up too?

Akingi: I think you’ll be intrigued.

They began following the Voyeyahk out of the ruins. On their way, the Unknown walked out of a connecting hall and joins them.

Unknown: Akingi woke me up from a dream. He tells me that Tyrant has returned.

Teridax: He speaks the truth.

Teridax notices that the Unknown looked a bit shaken.

Teridax: Everything alright?

Unknown: Yes, it’s okay.

Akingi (telepathically to Teridax): I suggest you leave it. She’s on the edge of a break down.

Teridax (mentally): Must’ve been some night mare.

Akingi: You have no idea.

The Unknown stared at the floor, thinking of the dream she had. All around her was ruin. The canister that contained her was shattered, and the remains of a laboratory surrounded her.

***************************

Tyrant was sitting on a throne, carried by four Skrall, one at each corner. As he looked on, he looked at his right hand man, Branar, walked ahead of him.

Branar: I’m still impressed at how fast you beat me. You sure you didn’t use your powers?

Tyraht: I promise. If I had, I wouldn’t have been able to stand.

Skrall (the one holding the left front): Sir, may we switch?

Tyrant: Actually, I think it’s time I got off.

The Skrall placed the chair down, and Tyrant stepped off. He then beckoned to a water bearer that was nearby.

Tyrant: Hey, you! Get these four some water!

Skrall (Water bearer): Yes, sir!

Branar looked at Tyrant, intrigued.

Branar: You treat them like they’re your own.

Tyrant: Because they are. They’re mine to command before you. But be wary, for my masters aren’t as generous.

After a few more minutes, Tyrant and the Skrall stepped over the final hill to see the ruins, with two tall figures standing at the entrance. When he reached them, he and all of his followers kneeled before them.

Tyrant: I have done as you requested.

Teridax: You sure took your time.

Tyrant: We wanted to show you how strong they are.

He beckoned to the Skrall. Immediately, ten Skrall come forward dragging five scorpion-like Rahi.

Teridax: Five Nui-Jaga is all you got?

Tyrant: Oh, no. These are only a portion of those we’ve caught. The rest are being held in cages at the rear of the army.

Teridax: How many?

Tyrant: Five hundred-thousand.

Unknown: So many. To what purpose do these… Nui-Jaga hold, Teridax?

Teridax: These creatures were created by the Makuta so that they might… protect the Matoran. Of course, I had other plans for them. Though alone they don’t pose much of a threat, an army increases the threat level greatly.

******************************************

Tahu: Hah. Berix… next time you find a Rahi you’ve never seen before, please let me know.

Berix: Sorry. It just looked so cute.

Tahu: That cutie happens to be a wild Burnak, a dog-like Rahi that attacks only when provoked.

Berix: I wasn’t provoking it.

Tahu: That’s obviously not what it thought. Remember, even though you have become a Glatorian, you can’t do everything. Take everything with more caution.

Berix: You sound like Kopaka.

Tahu: That’s what happens when you’re a team for so long.

Tahu and Berix got back up. Twenty years ago, Berix had finally been given the option to become a Glatorian. Vakama touched Berix’s right hand on the Ignika, and Berix transformed. However, he looked exactly like the Glatorian Leader Ackar. People began whispering about him, asking why he had to look exactly like Ackar. What does it mean? Some even teased that Berix could be Ackar’s spiritual son, despite their elemental opposites. Probably the only things that separated them was their color, their character, and their elemental weapons.

Female: Hey, Tahu, Berix, you okay?

Tahu and Berix looked up to see a few of the New Guardians.

Tahu: We’re fine, Alizuo. Think you could send us a rope?

Alizuo: How ‘bout this?

The female Toa of Air lifted her hands. Suddenly, Tahu and Berix were lifted up into the air by a gust of wind. But when they leveled with the cliff’s ledge, the wind stopped. Fortunately, Thesto Toa of Earth was there to place two convenient platforms underneath them.

Thesto: I told you, you need more practice before you do that.

Alizuo: Oh, come on, honey, can’t you soften your heart for me?

Thesto: Oh, um, well…

Tahu: Less flattering, more travelling. It’s enough that Berix almost got severely hurt. We need to get to the council.

Alizuo: But what does this coin have to do with the riddle?

Tahu: It reads of the ten thousand stars. That’s all it says on the face. But on the other side we’ve got these strange markings. We need to find out what it means.

Thesto: Then let’s go. We need more distance till sun down.

Tahu: We’ll be reaching the dessert soon. Once we do, we’ll need to travel at night to keep humid. Where’s everyone else?

Alizuo: They’re scouting ahead. They should be back soon.

Tahu: Then let’s follow after them.

***********************************************

Teridax: Well, what do you think?

Akingi: I think it’s going well. Though I’m still not sure about the Unknown.

Teridax: She could be a serious threat if she turns on us.

Akingi: But I can cut her life source. She can’t beat us.

Teridax: I wouldn’t be too sure about that.

*******************************

The Unknown was back in her bed. Once again, she was having a dream of another world, a world now torn apart by fire and smoke.

Trisa: Dad? *cough* Dad! DAD!

Father: Here! AAGH!

Trisa moved carefully, remembering her father’s training.

Father (memory): Remember, you will be of much greater size. You will be able to move faster, but it will take some time to get used to. So when you come out, you must first crawl.

Trisa crawled over to where her father was calling. She carefully lifted a wooden platform that covered her father, but when she saw him she saw his heart crystal dying.

Trisa: Your heart crystal!

Father: Don’t touch it. It’s no good.

Trisa: But there must be something! The lab…

But she looked around. The entire lab was destroyed. Nothing was left of it.

Father: Trisa.

Trisa looked back at her father.

Father: Don’t for…*cough* Don’t forget what Orbala was like. Remember the fields, the cities. Remember the moon, the people. Remember your purpose.

Together: To restore the world to its original beauty.

Then her father’s heart died.

As Trisa looked at her father’s corpse, she looked at her hands. They were of great size, and filled with strength.

Unknown: Those look familiar.

*********************************

Unknown suddenly woke up and looked at her hands. They were the same.

Unknown: Trisa?

She stared at them for a long time.