Destiny

Kiina and Berix, hanging high in a cage in the Skrall village of Roxtus, are amazed when they see Mata Nui stroll alone into the village’s central arena. Where were the Glatorian?

Mata Nui calls on Tuma, leader of the Skrall, to fight one-on-one for the freedom of his friends. Tuma starts the fight with dirty tricks, but Mata Nui’s skills have greatly improved thanks to Ackar’s help. Taking a few minutes to gauge his opponent, Mata Nui starts attacking the overconfident Skrall. Enraged, Tuma becomes careless, and Mata Nui is able to shatter Tuma’s weapon, ending the fight. He claims Tuma’s shield in victory.

Before he can free his friends, a familiar voice taunts him. Metus stands among the Skrall and Bone Hunters, clapping sarcastically. “So you were the traitor all along,” says Mata Nui. Metus smiles.

Sensing defeat, Mata Nui urges his scarabax ally to save himself. The little bug scuttles off, and Mata Nui listens to Metus justify his traitorous actions. Not content to reap the rewards of arranging Glatorian matches, Metus dreams of victory over every tribe on Bara Magna. And he gloats that his victory is now ensured. Nobody outside Roxtus knows he is the mastermind behind the attacks on Atero and Tajun.

But Metus’ victory is lost when a massive wave of scarabax sweep into Roxtus, in the shape of a giant Glatorian. Behind the swarm of scarabax, the rest of the Glatorian charge in, defeating the frightened Skrall and Bone Hunters despite being outnumbered twenty to one. Metus is cornered, and the Mask of Life changes his form to something more appropriate: a serpent, who is allowed to slither off into the desert.

Weeks later, Mata Nui watches as all the villages are pulled together to form a mega-village. The Agori have dragged their massive shelters through the desert in a spirit of unity, and they are almost finished. From a hilltop above the combined village, Mata Nui sees a familiar form: smaller than the one he’d ruled on the water planet, yes, but still recognizable. The head, arms, torso, and legs all stand out clearly. The implications are staggering, and ideas begin to form in his mind.

It’s time to continue the quest to free his people.


                           THE END