The Protosteel Giant

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant

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I know that I'm making too many fan-fics, and not enough updates but the pace is slow going and… kinda steady. Not really but I'm trying I swear!

Here's a new story set in the Wormverse, where Taylor makes a mostly silent biomechanical friend.

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She shouldn't be out this late, the woods looked quite disturbing this time of night. Still, she couldn't sleep, memories of her mother's last words and the horrible crash that came from her phone late at night kept haunting her. Taylor needed something to ease her nerves down, finding solace in the dark but peaceful woods was enough to stop the tears.


Her mother died a while ago before coming to summer camp, her father needed time and space to grieve, and Taylor needed to try and move on. Easier said than done, the pain was still fresh but the camp activities and other kids were nice enough to make her smile every once and awhile.


Wearing nothing but her pajamas and a thin coat, Taylor let her mind wander at the faint sounds of her booted feet crushing the dirt beneath, the bright ethereal glow of the full moon, and the reassurance that she and her father can be happy again. She'll just have to be brave and stop crying so much, her mother wouldn't want her to be so sad all the time.


Time. Time is all she needs, eventually her time at the camp will end and Emma will welcome her back with hugs and jokes, with both their families getting together again and having dinners again. It's only a matter of time.


Eventually the wind came and with it, shivers rocked her entire body. She must've been gone for too long, at least the trip helped with her mood. Taylor felt… not good, but content to say the least, she didn't want to wallow in her own misery anymore, that was for sure.


She was about to head back until she came across a clearing that housed some kind of giant statue of a… mecha monk? "Do Tinker's make statues now?" Bewildered but amazed at its design Taylor laid a hand on its glowing exterior, the entire thing glowed like the sun even in the darkness of the moonlight.


A head resembling that of a metal monk hat with one eye scope above a peaceful robotic face, a long and sharp blade that looked a lot like a crazy claw, a shield with two discs on the front, and a bulky frame frozen in a meditating position.


Giggling to herself, mecha monk indeed. "You just made me laugh, Mr. Monk. Thank you for that." Hesitating at the thought of it but doing it anyway, Taylor wrapped her arms around it's armored waist and gave it a hug. She expected the statue to be cold, especially at night but Mr. Monk surprised her by being really warm and comforting. Just like the sun, she giggled again.


Reluctantly letting go of the warm waist at the memory of her camp still back from where she came, she patted the breathtaking monk on the head before heading back to her bed.


Taylor made sure to only walk in a straight line the entire time, thankfully sparing her the horrible idea of getting lost in the woods. She was a few minutes into her walk back only to hear the loudest footstep in her life. Whirling around in a heartbeat, she couldn't find anything out of place but the steps that sounded more like stomps kept getting closer.


Her feet refused to move, but her head frantically buried itself in terror. She could only stare helplessly as the giant shape behind the trees kept slowly stomping its way to her with only a singular piercing blue eye. The glow only making seem more inhuman and menacing.


Taylor's breath couldn't control itself, her shaking limbs losing their leverage causing her to fall flat on her rear. Crawling backwards until her back hit a freezing tree, her knees came up to her face with her arms wrapped around them. Closing her eyes, she begged it was just a nightmare, she begged that she was still back at her cabin wrapped in her warm blanket. Deep down she knew that it was only a matter of time before she saw her mother again.


The louder and louder stomps rejected her begging and seemingly confirmed the gateway to her mother before she heard one last stomp that was right in front of her. She waited for the inevitable, tensing her entire body and sending one last goodbye to her father, she curled up even tighter. It was only a matter of time…


She yelped when large hands reached out under her, but instead of a horrible pain that ripped apart her soul, the hands wrapped protectively around her shivering form. Daring to open her fearful eyes in confusion, she stared into the bright blue eye of… "M-Mr. Monk!?" A tilt of the mecha monks head was the only answer she got.


"Wha… you're alive!" Again a tilt, only to the opposite side this time. Taylor's mind was in overdrive at the revaluation but all she wanted to do was pass out from the exhaustion caused by the night. Keeping herself awake long enough to see Mr. Monk point to himself with one big robotic finger and say, "Duty."


Desperately trying to wrap her head around the towering orange figure with a low rumbling voice even with her emotions all over the place and an adrenaline rush, Taylor decided to figure it out in the morning and promptly passed out in the safe arms of Mr. Monk.

(TPG)​

Earlier

Keetongu never thought himself a being quick to anger, he was vengeful to the visorak, however that was quite understandable given they were the cause of his fellow rahi's untimely demise. He was rather quick to act in the presence of evil and or visorak. He rather enjoyed the secluded and peaceful location of New Atero's tunnels that allowed him to meditate without interruption. Normally without interruption.


Despite this, it took all of Keetongu's patience and willpower to not crush the silver skakdi where he stands.


"-all the hubbub about the visorak killing all your friends is quite interesting. Weren't they as strong as you?"


"..."


"Or maybe they were this super-secret elite group of creepy crawlers that were meant to kill orange giants?"


"..."


"Or they were just hungry and mistook your species for food, you do look like a fruit sometimes."


"..."


"Perhaps they-are you even listening!?"


"...no."


"You know everyone was a lot nicer in the other dimensions I graciously visited! Nobody knew who I was, nobody wanted me dead, at least at first, and they loved my stories."


"Hmmm." The annoying silver skakdi apparently visited other planes of existence, the method is unknown however. Perhaps he'll go to another one and never come back. Now wasn't that an amusing thought, unfortunately the skadi was a slippery one but not an imbecile. His Evil Eye couldn't find any evil resonating within him but plenty of amusement at evil deeds.


"In fact why don't you meet some of the inter-dimensional folks that kept me company." Keetongu highly doubted he would be going anywhere anytime soon, Spherus Magna was quite the location for new sights and the like, but it was in a moment of peace that he was happy to exploit for maximum enjoyment. He wouldn't give this up for the world.


"Oh my, that's not good… "


When the feeling of the ground beneath him disappeared, Keetongu discovered there was a portal being summoned in place of it. He had just enough time to hear the mistake of the skakdi say, "Oops, wrong one!"


It appears that Keetongu can be quite vengeful, for the head of one excruciatingly annoying silver skakdi is going to be grasped in his palm once he comes back from wherever he was sent.

(TPG)​

Once Keetongu regained his senses from the accidental, interdimensional voyage to an unknown world, he seemed to be inside a forest or woodland area. The trees were smaller than the ones he was most accustomed to, and a quick look to the sky revealed the pale light of a moon. This was not as horrible as he originally thought, Keetongu mused, but this was just a glimpse of the new world. The previous forests he stepped foot in always had some manner of rahi or hidden danger. That being said, this was familiar territory, forests meant life and prosperity. Bodies of water were also possible given the lively color of green everywhere. Perhaps if civilization was nearby as well, the local populous would be willing to assist. His guard will continue to be ever vigilant even if the opposite is revealed to be true.


A forest filled with beasts would be irritating for now but night has already fallen, a small rest would be ideal. It was tranquil enough for meditation and pondering of one's current predicament. One thing is for certain, Vezon is a dead skakdi.


…


The orange giant didn't know how much time was spent plotting Vezon's accidental demise, it mattered little to him. Time was something he never gave much thought to, considering his mostly passive nature in the grand scheme of life. He was interrupted from his muses by the sound of footsteps, small ones at that.


Slowly opening his eyes, keeping the light of his Evil Eye concealed, he watched the creature. It was quite thin and short, similar to that of an agori with no cybernetic enhancements. Layers of strange robes adorned its body with black strings sticking out of the small head.


He looked into its very being, guilt and emotional pain circle around her however it's fleeting, not able to consume the small creature. The most prominent is contentment, being fine with the world even when it hurts. Hope is sprinkled around in small parts, slowly growing but weak. This innocent creature was not evil, nor was it a paragon. It's simply in need of comfort and slow healing, nothing to get involved in himself.


Apparently the small one was curious as it ran a soft hand along his armor. "You just made me laugh, Mr. Monk. Thank you for that." It can speak!


Well he shouldn't be too surprised, agori can speak as well. Genetically they seem to have several parallels. Keetongu felt an unfamiliar sensation at his waist. An embrace? The small one wrapped its slim arms around his midsection, and leaned onto him. Confusion was overtaking him, Keetongu never was one for prolonged contact with others, even with his own species.


The creature ceased it's touching but not before patting him on the head like one would do to a tamed steed. Degrading.


Thankfully, the small creature walked off at that. Before the rahi was given the chance to clear his mind, the clingy creature shivered after walking off. Hmmm, it wasn't ideal for it to freeze now would it? The large rahi could help find warmth for the creature and in return he could follow it to the nearest civilization. Yes, resting would wait until he found proper shelter.


Being quite pleased at his plan of action, Keetongu followed the footprints left behind. He didn't need to, the path was set in a straight line anyway. The small trees were similar in height to himself, yet less dense, allowing him to simply shrug the trunks out of the way to continue further on his path.


He found the creature panicking, alarmed by the sudden shift in its mood Keetongu increased his stride, hoping to find a way to help. It wasn't until the cowering creature began crawling away from him that he understood. It was afraid of him, why? The small one showed no fear back when he was meditating and even embraced him. Shaking his head at the conundrum, he took a good look at the creature. Despair, and disturbing resignation covered it, all bad emotions. Keetongu was confused on what to do, he never comforted anyone before. They were all focused on the war against Makuta to really dwell on the emotional aspects of life.


His mind went to the days after Makuta Teridax was finally killed, he remembered the pure joy and relief that was felt by everyone. He then remembered the two agori, one was what they called a 'mother' and the much smaller one was a 'child'. When the child was screaming, the mother soothed it by wrapping her arms around the little one, and rocking it. While the fearful creature before him wasn't screaming, perhaps he could sooth its worries by doing the same.


Making sure to take slow, and careful steps, Keetongu gently picked up the balled up creature and allowed it to lay on his forearms with his armored chest keeping it from falling off. He awkwardly stood still and watched as it opened a singular eye that then widened at the sight of him. "M-Mr. Monk!?"


Keetongu tilted his head at the question, was the creature confusing him for someone else. Barely remembering it calling him that exact same moniker a few moments ago.


"Wha… you're alive!" Again tilting his head he pondered the question, confusion filled his ever being. Of course he was alive, was living rahi such a rare commodity in this world that its inhabitants were shocked at the sight of one? At the moment it didn't matter, the creature was still extremely confused and Keetongu hadn't given an answer. He hoped his answer would rectify his actions, he regrettably didn't have much diction for the common languages, not even his own.


He pointed to himself and said, "Duty."


The creature fainted in his arms. Frustration pooled in him, he wasn't supposed to be slept on! He couldn't even ask the infernal creature for directions now. Keetongu breathed a heavy sigh as his efforts only ended in having to carry what most would consider an agori in his arms like some… carriage! Once again, this creature has degraded him twice now. If this keeps up, he'll have to consider himself a Tahtorak before long.


Keetongu sat down once again, a rest would most definitely calm him down. He will wait until the light rises high to ask the agori some important questions. It was only a matter of time before he went back to his world, and visited a certain silver skakdi.

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And that was the first glimpse at The Protosteel Giant. Did you love it, like it, and or was indifferent to it. Let me know in the comments below. I update with new chapters ever five decades so you won't have to wait long for a new one. Thank you for taking the time to read my fanfiction.

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[Shokhk]

This is what Keetongu 'probably' looks like, he probably changed some things about his appearance after The Melding happened.

 

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant

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Thanks for the comments last chapter.
It's really fun to write.
If only I could find the motivation to keep writing more often.

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It's already long past sunrise, when will this infernal creature wake up? Normally he wouldn't mind a small rest but keeping his arms locked in the same position all night caused him to experience boredom.


Keetongu very much disliked boredom. If he ever was bored, there was always something to occupy his time. It was one of the reasons he became such an expert on poisons and illnesses. The main reason was creating a cure for hordika venom of course, it was simply put that he has been very isolated for thousands of years and a little enjoyment could go a long way.


His mind went back to the cause of his boredom, the sleeping bundle in his arms. What kind of creature sleeps so long? No rahi, toa, matoran, or agori needed more than a few moments of rest before they were back into the fray. It was certainly the strangest part of this world at the moment. Following that trail of thought, what was the black string hanging from its head? It wasn't straight like most strings, thick curls instead of thin lines. He ran a finger through them, seeing how they smoothly parted, somehow still retaining their shape.


Curiosity peaked, he lifted the creature allowing Keetongu to more closely examine the string. It was firmly attached to its head, looking like it was grown out naturally. Was it… born with such features? Agori weren't born with anything growing out of their bodies.


There was a possibility that the creature added the string for as enhancements or simple changes. The rahi continued to study the black string, before the creature started to shift. "Mom?" Strange, Keetongu wasn't a 'mom', first Mr. Monk now this. He needed to inform the creature on his true name.


The small one rubbed its eyes with its thin hands, blinking slowly at him. He nodded to signify his wellbeing as well. The tired eyes widened moments later. "Y-You're not my mom!" Again he nodded, the creatures mom was somewhere else he supposed.


"...Mr. Monk?" Oh for the love of Mata Nui, that was not his name! He stiffly pointed to himself and slowly said, "Keetongu…" Ineptitude was hopefully not one of the creature's faults.


"What?" Perhaps he hoped too much. If the creature could see his eyes, and if his dignity was anything less, he would've rolled his eyes at the creature's behavior. "Kee… ton… gu…"


(TPG)



Taylor stared at Mr. M-Keetongu apparently, she was also very much panicking. The strangeness of the name wasn't even on her mind. She remembered passing out the night before in his arms but now he was holding her like a sleeping baby which she might as well be! What did he want from her? Was she getting kidnapped, this didn't feel like a kidnapping.


"So… can I get down please?" If he did, she wasn't getting kidnapped. If he didn't… well she could scream pretty loud. She breathed a sigh of relief when he finally nodded.


Getting her bearings again now that she was back on safe and solid ground, it was a little windy and sunny, she was already starting to sweat a little. Taking a few deep breaths, she considered her situation. The giant monk wasn't going to hurt her, Keetongu just… let her sleep in his lap? Okay, that sounds wrong.


"You!" Making sure to glare at him, no matter how intimidating he was. "What the heck are you doing here, you're not supposed to let little girls sleep in your lap!?"


Annoyingly, he didn't say anything. Or even move for that matter. She huffed, "Well…?" Again nothing, maybe the robot can only follow orders from his tinker?


It probably doesn't matter, he wasn't going to hurt her. Taylor instead couldn't wait till she tells her cabin mates about this, they'll be so jealous that she met a giant robot monk. She let out a giggle that was only a hint of maniacal. Maybe the robot is a hero and thought she was in trouble. Yeah, nothing insidious here.


"Girl…?" Focusing once more on the imposing mecha now crouching in front of her, only eye… camera thing narrowed in concentration. She let out a noise of mortification. "Of course I am! Now stop looking at me like that!"


In response to Taylor's outrage, Keetongu stood back to full height. Causing her to shrink back once reminded of his continued piercing stare, it was like he was looking into her soul.


Shivering to herself she spoke again, "Are you a cape?"


(TPG)



Inside, Keetongu huffed in subtle outrage. How is there a correlation between Keetongu and a piece of vanity? What was with this female creature and giving him inaccurate titles? "Rahi." Unfortunately, he saw her flinch back, he must've shown too much of his anger and took a calming second to center himself.


"R-Rahi? Right got it." She extended a thumb upwards, still a little fearful of him. That fact made him feel some guilt. She most likely didn't mean anything despicable, the language and cultural barrier was simply too large for the both of them.


Apparently she could tell he was apologetic from his body language. "Don't worry, everyone will be so jealous that I got to meet you. You're really cool once we get over the whole 'giant robot who could squish me like a bug' thing." She thought the exchange was humorous for she gave a few laughs before gasping. "My cabin mates! I totally forgot about them, I'm supposed to meet them back at camp!"


Keetongu supposed the camp was a point of civilization, this was an excellent predicament. All he had to do was follow her and be given the location of the most technologically advanced city for him to see if dimensional travel was possible. Nodding to himself he was about to ask permission to follow the female creature until he found out she was already gone…


Well, perhaps he could simply walk in the general direction of her departure. Yes… that sounds acceptable. It gave many future moments to ponder.


The small creature was of the feminine gender, he supposed that was most likely in hindsight. Her voice was softer pitched than male agori, the thinness of her limbs was curious in the assumption and association of other female agori given they were smaller than their counterparts. Keetongu would continue to ponder this worlds differences in biology to his own until he came upon the camp she was talking about.


The giant rahi would be leaving this world soon enough, might as well take note of it. After all this world may seem harmless, but nothing stays peaceful forever.


That he knew all too well.


(TPG)



Axonn simply put, was worried. He feared his closest friend and ally wasn't right in the head. While his species was always immune to the properties of antidermis, the result of the vat covering him and mutating him seemed to be too much for his biology. Ever since then he hasn't been the same, Axonn was simply checking up on him. He needed to make sure he was all right.


He couldn't lose his friend. Not again…


All he had to do was find his hut. Shouldn't be difficult, after all his size and stature was much larger than most. Taking only a few moments to locate the structurally large hut to anyone that wasn't Axonn, he peered inside. The decorations were fairly dense with scrolls and records of some kind, the shelves and other brown surfaces were full of them. However he still couldn't find… "Brutaka!"


Turning his head to the silver clad figure running up to him, Brutaka laughed. Embracing his old friend, the golden giant asked, "Axonn, what's got you so worried?"


Letting go of Brutaka, the axe wielder gave him a once over. "Feeling quite well? That green glow is rather concerning." He looked at his extended forearm, while he was glowing it was hardly something to worry about. "Simply a side effect, nothing more nothing less. I assure you."


Hmmm, well he's still sane it looks like. He might have overreacted, it seems. "Alright… I just wanted to… never mind. You're not dying, that's all that matters." The double-bladed sword wielder mocked looking affronted. "Me! The supposed great Brutaka, dead to some makuta nectar! I've never been so insulted in my life." The two shared a hearty laugh, everything was fine for now.


"Sorry for interrupting whatever you were doing before… what were you reading anyway?" Pointing to the scroll held in Brutaka's enlarged claw. Staring at his scroll, he sighed. "Some of my old musings, nothing very interesting unfortunately. I was reminiscing of my days before the Order."


Axonn nodded, "I remember you being quite the poet." Groaning, Brutaka felt a small amount of embarrassment come up. "Says the conqueror of entire cities, or has your memory lied to you? How ironic."


"I only destroyed a few cities! I made sure not to kill anyone."


"Tell that to the homeless."


"I made sure to get them shelter at the nearest island. And let's not forget about your little betrayal."


The former traitor snorted, "I made sure not to kill anyone."


Axonn crossed his arms, "You tried to kill me."


"Well… no one important."


Axonn now remembered why he was Brutaka's only friend.


"Excuse me, has anyone seen the lovely yet positively ancient and very terrifying Helryx around here?" Oh no, he recognized that voice!


"I need to talk to her about some of the most terrible news I've ever seen! It even worse than the time Brutaka tried being a leader."


"Considering what I had to work with it was a miracle we got any work done!" His old friend also remembered the 'seventh Piraka'.


Axonn turned to the entrance of Brutaka's abode, coming face to face with perpetually smiling face mask of Vezon. "Why are you here skadi?" He groaned, "I just told you round-mask, I'm… loo-king… for… your… masteeeeer. Do you understand me?"


Brutaka snarled, "Do not treat us like we're newly created rahi beasts! What you say to Helryx can be said to us."


Whining Vezon said, "But I can't trust you not to crush me into a ball if you hear bad news." They both snorted this time, even Axonn. "I don't think you can trust anyone then."


The diminutive half-skadi contemplated, "True, but at least I could survive most of them. Unlike with you 'morally right' individuals."


Axonn sighed, this was a waste of time. He did not come here to argue with this mistake! He came here to check on his friend and catch up. "Just spit it out, you horrible procreation!"


To his credit, Vezon didn't even blink at his outrage. "Fine… I may have accidentally sent someone to an unknown dimension."


Two heavy sighs could be heard from inside the hut. "And who was this poor soul?"


"Oh, no one important, just a rahi who's the last of his kind-


"Keetongu!" "My future test subject!"


"Yes! I'm surprised you already figu-wait, what was that last one?"


Familiar fingers wrapped around his windpipe. Vezon's last thoughts were 'not again'.

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Exploring more than just Earth Bet.

Feel free to give feedback. I live off that stuff.

Until next time, in maybe only 4 years.

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[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant

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Here's a quick, short chapter, this time from a new perspective.

Everyone's favorite "Toa" of Water.

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She could feel the ocean, calming yet easy to enrage when given reason to. It couldn't lie and it never needed to. The ocean was powerful, however limited by its own power. This was where Helryx kept finding herself, simply taking in the serene majesty.


She despised it.


Rest and relaxation were extremely rare commodities during the war and as the leader of the Order of Mata Nui. She was always planning, fighting, negotiating, leading, and ripping her morals to shreds.


Not here… it was simply peaceful. No Makuta, civil wars, or genocides. The ancient warrior was created for action and upholding the Toa Code, yet she once spent most of her time dealing with non-physical conspiracies and a tyrannical Teridax while ridding herself of the very code that she'd sworn to protect.


There was none of that here, it drove her crazy. She's been fighting for more than a hundred-thousand years, could create and control entire tidal waves! Here she was, lost and without purpose. Destiny fulfilled, there was nothing left for her. The universe didn't need her anymore, and she started to think it never did.


What good was all her scars, all her power, all the time she spent doing what she thought was absolutely necessary when she was so useless!


She was powerless when she and Keetongu were about to be killed by the wave of liquid protodermis, only to be saved by the likes of Vezon! By the Great Spirit how he held that over her…


She was completely ignorant to the final battle between Mata Nui and Makuta Teridax. The event that she spent half her life on to avoid yet it happened anyway. Even if she was present to the battle what good would she have done? She saw the grave of Teridax and the remnants of his multiple armies leftover from when Mata Nui and Tahu killed them. She saw the titanic robot body and how impossible it would've been for her to even scratch.


Useless


From the beach she fidgeted, pacing back and forth. Her impatience was acting up again, she didn't hold back this time. Raising a thin and battle-damaged arm, she willed the water to obey her commands. A large spiral rivaling the size of Mata Nui's fingertip came to life under her control, Helryx split it and unleashed them onto the horizon. It was all she could do, to not go insane,


Just like all she did when her fellow warriors and allies died, and she did nothing. No mournings, there was no time for such things. Even when Botar was murdered by Makuta Icarax she only found a replacement. Botar, the most loyal and an absolute believer in the Orders cause, was murdered by one of their greatest enemies, and she did nothing. In an ironic twist of fate, Teridax was the one to avenge Botar during the Energy Storm, even accidentally.


What was ever her Destiny? Was she ever needed?


She let out a scream of pure regret, rage, and sorrow. The ocean empathized by responding in kind. Twisting in a horrible reflection of Helryx's emotions, entire spires became of her power. They shifted and harmlessly destroyed the beach, leaving the cause to fall to her knees and reflect, when she never could before.


Perhaps she could simply become a turaga and never return? Travel to where no one would ever find her, not that they ever would try. Her allies only joined her when she promised them what they most desired, now that she fulfilled most and cannot keep the rest, they will all turn their backs to her.


Even Axonn only joined her due to him finally finding his purpose, now that he no longer has one he will never look back from where he will never come back. Just like the others.


Long resigned, tired eyes looked at her rippling reflection in the water, damaged and hurt. Somehow still whole through sheer spite and will. Now?


She closed her eyes. How could a monster like her ever find rest? Rising up to stand once more, forcing her eyes open was difficult, but she still succeeded.


Rest… she may never find it, what harm could it do when everything has already happened to her? She turned her back the the decimated beach and began her walk to find out what rest really is.


"Helryx? What… happened?"


Tens of thousands of years of honed reflexes prevented her from killing the voice where it stood in surprise. She looked to the voice and found two very old allies.


"Brutaka, Axonn… what a surprise."


...why was Axonn holding Vezon by the throat?

 

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant
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So… I may have forgotten that the gravity on Spherus Magna is hundreds of times greater than earth.
Hope you enjoy!
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​

In the short amount of time Keetongu became stranded on this new world, he failed to notice the more subtle differences between Spherus Magna and this world. Not including the more obvious features such as the smaller trees and softer dirt, those were quite obvious to the naked eye. No, the more subtle of them would be the lesser atmospheric pressure such as less dense air, and the relatively light gravity compared to his home.

STOMP… STOMP… STOMP…

"IS YOUR POWER CAUSING EARTHQUAKES?!"

Differences Keetongu is experiencing right now.

Somehow looking sheepish, the earth crushing rahi was very much confused on how weak the ground was, even the softest dirt back on Spherus Magna could at least stay solid if he was careful with his steps. Here, however?

STOMP

No matter what, his feet can shatter stone with just the slightest bit of pressure given from his corded artificial muscles.

STOMP

Keetongu knew he was naturally stronger than most, given his species and history but before he had to at the very least give some kind of effort to break through tough materials.

STOMP

Something must be different in this world… perhaps the gravity is less restrictive here? He definitely felt lighter when he first came here though he originally explained it with shock and anger. Yes… this world has less gravity; he was sure of it!
STOMP

"ARE. YOU. EVEN. LISTENING!?"

Satisfied with his reasoning the giant looked at the agori currently trying to kick his legs in. Futilely. "No."

The female agori grabbed clumps of her black string attached to her head and growled in frustration, poor thing. "What are you!? You're super strong and hard but you're so confusing and annoying! I don't like earthquakes!" Neither did Keetongu, they always disturbed the peace and tranquility of his caves, sometimes he had to find new places to live after they got destroyed.

"Follow." Due to the less gravity on this planet, he had to be careful not to destroy anything of importance. It wouldn't do for the natives of this land to dislike him and refuse to help; he would have to convince them that he was trustworthy.

The agori huffed, "Why are you following me? I don't think my camp does activities for robots." Really Taylor secretly wants to show off Keetongu to her campmates, but she was worried they would scream, he was a bit scary looking. She groaned, why were Capes so confusing!?

She looked behind her and sure enough, the big guy was still following her. She can't make him go away and she doesn't want him to be angry at her, so she guessed he was following her for now. All she asks is for some quiet later.

(TPG)​

The rest of the chapter is coming later, I'm working on a new idea of mine so I'm sorry for the very late wait.

 

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant
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Finally, part 2!

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"He keeps following me." Taylor risked a nervous glance to the lumbering giant behind her who's footsteps were leaving dents in the ground, a sentence she never thought she would ever have to say. Keetongu was cool she guessed, being a glowing robot who kept her warm in the freezing forest was giving him heroic points in her books. It was just something about him that scared her, maybe it was the 'stranger danger' alarm going off in her head, or the fact he keeps watching her with that one eye like the arctic.


What was a cape doing out here in the woods? A powerful cape no doubt, a cape big enough to destroy her house by sitting on it. Shouldn't people like that go around protecting cities like Alexandria or Legend? Even the really strong villains had control of cities like Lung or that nazi king. I've heard of monster capes and how they look alien so maybe he was the same, or even just some giant robot someone made. Taylor hoped not, that would just be boring.


Did he have emotions or was really just a killer robot? The big weapons he had on his back wasn't a bad indicator of the second option.


Realization came crashing into her adolescent brain, what if he was going to attack people? Like her fellow campmates! Who else carried weapons like those? She couldn't allow that, but what could she do?


Looking back again she made sure Tongu was still following her and moved to the other direction, she could lead him away and… talk to him? She could convince him to not hurt other people! She could be a hero and have a new friend to protect everyone with, even dad. Emma would be so jealous and happy at the same time, dad would know she's safe, and mom would…


She couldn't stop the hiccup that followed or the fact that her eyes keep watering, but she forged on, she was a big girl now. She didn't (hic) have to cry!


Mom would be so proud of her… she hoped. Wiping off all the salty tears, she hardened her nerves. She could do this, he was just a Cape with the power to bury her six feet under with just one punch. This will be nothing, a hero has to be the one in danger so no one else was. At least that's what she thinks about heroism. Like the Triumvirate, they wouldn't mind a giant robot on their side right?


Now she just had to interrogate him, she didn't have a badge or a table to bang her fist on, but she definitely had a stump somewhere around here. She just had to find one.

(TPG)​

Something was wrong, the agori was giving signs of distress and sadness, if the tears she spilled was any indication. Strange, she never showed outward signs of that particular emotion, always keeping it low and hidden to anything but Keetongu's Evil Eye. Something has caused her mood to drastically change, and as the rahi's only chance at returning home it was his duty to make sure he's seen in a favorable light to the agori. If that meant helping her with extreme emotional spikes, then he'll just have to power through.


"Let's sit right here." Keetongu followed her voice and found her staring at him while perching herself on a nearby stump. Curious and impatient all at the same time, he sat down in front of her, crossing his lighter than usual legs over one another and giving the agori his full attention. This conversation better bring some progress to his journey home.


"Talk." She gulped but met his eyes.


"What… what are you going to do if I show you the camp?" Her point of civilization? The rahi supposes she is distrustful of him, that is quite wise. He decides to humor her request; a negotiation would be in order to gain her trust.


"Help." He pointed at her before settling a finger almost a foot long aimed at his bulky figure. "Help."


She scrutinized him for a few moments, pretending not to fidget under his gaze. "You'll help us?" Keetongu gave a nod. "So that we can help you?" Another nod. The female agori took a deep breath before releasing it again, continuing to challenge him in the eyes. "What do you need help with?"


He saw something for a brief moment, a flicker of strange nostalgia flickered in his mind. This agori can be someone great, like another he once helped. A kanohi mask of Psychometry filled his vision for less than a second but he still saw it clearly. Narrow, withered eyes stared at him, looking into the window of his spirit. He blinked, such a strange recollection.


"Home."


"Where is your home?"


He had many homes, homes he lost and discovered. Places he had a yearning for, for things he could never have again. His people were gone, his enemies were most likely not here, he had no purpose here. Might as well go back, losing another meditation spot was… inconvenient.


Keetongu, the last of his kind, set his all-seeing gaze onto the sky above them. Home, it must be out there. Someday he'll find it again, he'll find it different than what he hoped for, maybe even worse than he thought. Something spoke within him however, that perhaps change can happen for the better. Taking his sight off the sky and locking eyes with the agori once again, seeing her awed expression and earnest smile. He decided at that very moment, maybe he can believe that.


Giggling to herself, she stood up and placed her arm out in front of her. "I don't think we've been properly introduced; my name is Taylor Hebert."


I mimicked her movements, placing a finger into her outstretched hand. "Keetongu."


Taylor smiled, "I like Mr. Monk better."


Keetongu made a low rumble.


"Or not!"

______________________________________________________________________________


And so, ends the Mr. Monk chapters. Stay tuned for the rest.

______________________________________________________________________________​

 

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant

______________________________________________________________________________

We'll be out of the woods soon. Probably. I Don't know.


I'm not even sure if I'm still alive.

______________________________________________________________________________ ​

Danny woke up to the sound of his home phone ringing, blinking past the blurry images of beer bottles he eventually had enough cognitive thought to slowly stand up. Groaning at the wakeup call, he slowly trudged to the phone trying his best not to fall over.

He soon stood in front of the phone slapping himself. Get it together Hebert!

He picked up the infernal ringing device and held it up to his ear, praying it's nothing serious. It's the weekend of course.

"Daniel… Hebert speaking."

"Evening, I'm Sgt. McNab of the PRT."

Danny sobered up immediately, just what the hell would the PRT be calling him about?

"Ah yes, can I help you officer?"

A deep breath could be heard over the phone. "Sir I'm going to be blunt, have you noticed anything strange about your daughter, behaviors, strange friends, secret being kept from you?"

His heart dropped into an ice bucket, "No… is she alright!?" Please be alright…

"She is completely fine as far as we can tell, she's just given us a bit of a shock due to her unique situation."

Just tell me already goddamnit! "Is there something wrong?"

"...Have you ever noticed your daughter with a 15-foot-tall robot?"

What… "Is this some kind of joke!?"

"Sir, I can assure this is not a joke. (sigh) There is a 15-foot bipedal robot standing at your daughter's side and it's supposedly listening to her and following her around the camp."

A giant robot. Taking a moment to clear his throat, Danny eyed his car keys lying on the floor, he really needed to clean up. "I'm on my way right now!"

"Of course, that would be preferable. We'll be on watch until then, we have no reason to believe the robot is harmful besides the weapons on its back."

"Right well I'm-wait what weapons!?"

"We believe as long as it listens to your daughter it should be harmless, nothing to worry about sir, goodbye."

"Wait just a… they hung up on me?" A giant robot. Shaking his head, Danny made for some water and drowned himself by drinking it. After his parched throat cleared up, he made for the camp, picking up his car keys from the floor he made a promise to get better after this robot crap was resolved.

Now he just had to wait for this hangover to go away.

(TPG) ​

The giant robot wasn't exactly what he had in mind.

"39… 40… 41… "

He expected a very tall and dangerous looking machine from his old comic books he read as a kid.

"55… 56… 57…"

Maybe he had a bit of a bias due to his reading material but honestly who could blame him.

"98… 99… 100!"

In all his life, he never expected to see an orange robot gorilla monk with legs bigger than its arms, if that's even possible, lifting multiple rooted up tree trunks in each of its arms like it's nothing with a crowd of kids, Taylor included, cheering at the display.

Hell a few camp counselors and even some PRT agents have gotten in on the act. Is he mad at Taylor for playing with a robot gorilla monk? Not really no, what he is mad about is the fact that

it attached itself to Taylor. He knew Taylor didn't build that thing; not even Tinker's can build something that advanced looking in such little time.

That thing couldn't even fit in his house so she didn't build it there, nor could she have built at the camp without anyone noticing. What must've happened is some cape just happens to look like a robot and is for some reason attaching themselves to his daughter or some asshole built it and is just letting it run loose around a camp full of children, Taylor included.

Those are the only likely scenarios. Danny's slightly hungover and tired brain told him. Ignoring his own fear, he marched straight up to that crappy robot and was about to tell it to fuck off before Taylor grabbed his arm and stopped him. "Dad! Stop being so mad!"

"I'm not… mad sweetie, I'm just gonna have a talk with this Iron Giant rip-off alright." Danny ruffled Taylor's hair. "Nothing to worry about."

"His name is Keetongu dad." While making no move to remove her father's hand from her head, she pouted at his rudeness.

"Right…" Turning right around and approaching 'Keetongu', Danny looked it right in the face. The fact the robot was three times his height didn't even cross his mind.

"Alright you, I don't know why you're here, but you better stay away from my daughter!" That tin can asshole just tilted its head at me!

"Dad!" Taylor got in front of Danny. "He just needs help getting home!"

"He can get help from the PRT, not a bunch of kids!" Especially not my own daughter!

"He just asked me for help, Dad. He doesn't wanna hurt me."

"Taylor, I love you but how can you be so sure?"

"He could've hurt me anytime in the woods when I was lost!" She was in the woods? Alone? With it!?

Taking multiple calming deep breaths, Danny moved his daughter behind him protectively. He just wanted to get her away from here.

"Sir! Provoking a potential cape or cape creation isn't in your best interest." He gave the PRT agent a look.

"He's not a cape! He's an alien!" He gave Taylor a look as well.

Taylor stomped her foot in annoyance. "It's true, he said so himself! Right Tongu?" She turned to the liar in question.

That bastard had the steel balls to nod at her!

Intellectually Danny knew he couldn't do anything to the walking tin can but the father side of him runs more on emotions than logic, therefore giving him plenty of courage even though he knew he'd become a pancake if he started a fight with it.

"Taylor, how'd you meet him?" Something feels weird about this whole thing, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Oh, I uh… went for a walk in the woods," Oh well that explains how she found- "At night."

Suddenly having an urge to pinch himself Danny slapped a hand to his tired face. "And why were you in the woods at night?"

Taylor shyly turned away and coughed to the side, poking her fingers together. "I… couldn't sleep."

Oh, Taylor. Danny didn't say a word before hugging her to his side. She didn't protest, just burying her fists into his wrinkled shirt. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to say sorry for kiddo." Danny rubbed his forehead, maybe it isn't the best time for confronting giant robots. Such a strange sentence he just thought of.

The PRT agent has long since distanced himself from the family argument and has instead taken up his time having a staring contest with Keetongu, and Keetongu was winning.

"Maybe we should all take a break?" Danny released Taylor from his hug but didn't let her go. He led her to sit down next to him in one of the tree trunks Keetongu was lifting a while ago. Danny wrapped his arm around Taylor, and she leaned into his side.

No words were spoken for a while until he broke the silence. "So, I'm guessing there's more to the story?"

Taylor nodded into his side.

"Alright we'll just take it slow then."

"He (hic) was sitting in the woods and I thought he was a cool looking statue and he was really warm, and I was a little cold, so I hugged him to warm myself up." Danny's hand shook for a moment before relaxing.

"Okay, tha-that's fine, what else Taylor?"

"I was walking back but then Keetongu started following me around, but I thought he was a monster, so I was really scared but then he lifted me up and held me in his arms. I fell asleep after." Taylor noticed he father's arm around her shoulder shaking, she looked into his eyes. "Dad?"

"Did he now?"

"Nothing bad happened!"

"I'm just worried Taylor."

"Don't be, he's my friend he won't hurt me I promise!" Taylor got up from her father's embrace and ran over to Keetongu who was now sitting down in a lotus position Danny noticed. Wow, he really is a monk.

"Tongu! You won't hurt me, right?" The robot only shook his head and went back to… meditating? Do robots even meditate?

Taylor was back at his side, snuggling into him. "See dad, he'll never hurt me!"

Danny wanted to tell her the dangers she was obviously ignoring, the dangers of getting involved with capes and stupid games. Something Annette intimately knew due to her time as a minion of Lustrum. Danny wanted to take her away from here and never look back, leaving the robot as the PRT's problem. But when he looked into her eyes, so bright and full of hope, he knew he couldn't bring himself to do any of those things. "Okay Taylor, he won't hurt you. I believe you."

"Yes, oh I love you I love you!" Taylor, his little girl, squeezed his midsection with all her might.

Danny wanted this moment to last forever, to take him back to when everything was good again. He'll make sure his daughter stays safe forever, stays innocent forever, stays just like this. He knows it's impossible, he knows Taylor will grow up into a fine young woman experienced in all the world has to offer.

Danny just knew he had to take everything he could.

He'll enjoy moments like these as long as he can. He'll keep Taylor bright and happy even if it kills him. That's a promise he'll never let go.

 

[Shokhk]

The Protosteel Giant

______________________________________________________________________________


Slow? You're slow!

______________________________________________________________________________​

"Here I am!"

"Oh please, not him!"

"A problem, Vezon?"

"He's much too…nice."

"Thank you!" Pohatu couldn't believe the words, Vezon actually complimented him for once. It seems his habilitation into normal society is working after all. Pah, and here I was worried over nothing!

"Your kind words aside Vezon, I was called here for a very important reason!" Strange, Vezon was giving him an incredulous look?

"Something more important than me, now you have my attention, what is it!?"

"No idea!" Another look? I never knew Skakdi could frown, how fascinating!

"...you fail me." "Enough!" "Oh Mata Nui, I pity the poor fools that get in their proximity."

Pohatu ignored them in favor of taking a look around the meeting ground, a lavish field of sand, water, and arguing Order of Mata Nui members. One of his favorite things combined with two of his most hated things, wonderful. Though in Pohatu's case 'hate' is reserved for things more akin to Makuta or Dark Hunter. A rather exclusive membership to be had. 'Hate' in this instance is more mildly disliked than anything else.

Curious? The beach is damaged all around, did a scuffle break down here?

Pohatu asked the same to Helryx which she answered with, "That is none of your concern. It has been dealt with accordingly."

He only nodded, Helryx was always on top of such things! Now if only she could be less grumpy, she could be such a great leader. Me and my jests, how restless I've become.

Helryx also chose to ignore the arguing trio and instead focused her attention onto the still waiting Pohatu. "I'm afraid there is no good news to be had, Keetongu is currently stranded on an unknown dimension due to Vezon's carelessness. I'm requesting you to go with Vezon to retrieve him."

Pohatu nodded, already digesting and formulating a plan the second the words left her mouth. By using his Kakama Nuva to speed up his thought process, he already knows the perfect course of action to take in this undertaking. In short it amounted to this; go to dimension, find Keetongu, and smash anyone in their way. Perfect, this will easily work…eventually. "I'm ready to go, just one question."

Helryx nodded, "Of course."

"Why just me, I'm curious?"

She sighed, "You're the least likely to murder Vezon in this endeavor."

Pohatu raised his finger...

...then promptly put it back down.

Helryx nodded once more with a small exhale of amusement. "I'm glad you understand. Whatever supplies you need be sure to acquire now, you most likely won't come back until you complete your mission." With that said, she turned around to consult the still arguing trio. He gave a gesture of confirmation and ran off, leaving large sand clouds behind him.

He quickly came to his humble abode, a sand hut reminiscent of the Po-Wahi homes the matoran used to live in. Pohatu gave a quick smile at the memories. Oh, how things change so much. Sighing ruefully, he searched for his journals and journeying bag. After the events of the Red Star, he was quite astonished by the different sights of the universe, making it a new goal of his to explore wherever he can and record it in his new journals.

Equipping the bag and stuffing it with his essentials, Pohatu was ready to brave the unknown elements of the new dimensional frontier. His essentials including his aforementioned journals, emergency supplies, many lightstones useful for combating the darkness, and even a Lightstone Rifle. Normally he wouldn't even bring lightstones or anything of the support variety, but due to Vezon not being able to use Kanohi he's forced to improvise. And they call me a rock head, hah!

Speeding back to the ruined beach, he carefully checked his lightstones worried they could've been damaged. After Makuta's defeat, lightstones became a thing of the past and their value unfortunately became worthless. However, during a quick look of a little merchant's corner in a less developed area of New Atero, he found a merchant willing to give him a Lightstone Rifle for dirt cheap and if he acted soon, he would've thrown in many a lightstone ammunition for no extra charge! What a deal, he would've been a fool if he hadn't taken it! He found himself pleased when his supplies were undamaged, with his worries gone he met with Helryx and the rest. He could hardly contain himself!

When he did find the rest, he found them in the middle of another argument!

"I don't wanna!"

"You will do as you're told and fix your mistakes!"

"He had it coming, Keetongu was quite rude before he left. Besides he's probably dead alread-ack!"

"So you accept the death penalty?"

"Can (cough) you brutes (choke) stop choking me already!?"

"I simply cannot, I find it grimly amusin-gah!" Brutaka's words were cut off by a sharp speed-powered kick to his midsection forcing him to let go of Vezon as Pohatu helped him to his clawed feet. "Pohatu! You dare stop me from ending his pathetic existence!?"

"Your violence is not needed brother!" The gall of that golden giant! To attempt to kill a comrade before his very eyes! Of course, there was always a chance Brutaka was merely jesting in his own violent way, but that was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"I've had enough of this bickering!" Helryx thankfully interfered, "Vezon! Activate the portal, you are leaving this instant!"

"That's not how it works, you old rusted silhouette! I have no control over my Olmak and you know it!" Having no control of one's own Kanohi, it was understandable for Vezon to be... volatile. Especially one as powerful as a Kanohi Olmak.

Pohatu was about to add to this ensuing argument (Another one? Oh Mata Nui, put a stop to this!) However his thoughts were struck blank when the ground beneath them ceased to exist and a simmering portal replaced it

...not what I had in mind.

(TPG)​

"Taylor, don't be mad."

"Too late."

"I know you liked him and all-

"He was a cool giant robot!"

-but you and I both know it was his decision to leave with the PRT to help with his E.T. business."

Taylor raised an eyebrow, "What's E.T?"

His little girl didn't know a classic of cinema? "A classic movie, I'll show you later."

"Like movie night!?"

Danny had to swallow the sorrow at the fact that the last time they had movie night was before Annette died. "Y-Yeah, anything for my little girl."

She squealed happily, "YES! I'm still mad at you."

Behind the wheel he winced, he didn't need to be a cape to sense Taylor folding her arms and turning away from him with a pout. While he had hoped she would forget about their little 'argument' it was clear she was too smart for his old tricks. She really is growing up isn't she?

He cleared his throat, intent on whatever distraction from the main topic. "So, how was camp?"

Taylor harrumphed from the back seat, "It was okay I guess… kinda boring though.

"Did you have fun?"

"I guess." Danny could recognize a sinking ship when he saw one, he internally sighed. There was no getting around it. "Wanna tell me about Keetongu?"

"Oh yeah! After he told me he was an alien I took him to the camp and well…"

"And? Was everyone screaming about an evil robot bent on world domination?"

She giggled, "No, why would they think that? I told Tongu to do some cool tricks and stuff then they all loved it! And-And they kept saying how cool I was to have my own giant robot and-

Danny smiled all the way through her recounting, hearing her motor mouth again after her mother died was a breath of fresh air. Eventually Brockton Bay was visible on the horizon, the place was a dump and a cape cesspit, but it was their dump and by god was he going to make sure it survives as long as possible. For his and Taylor's sake, the city wasn't going to hurt her.

Damn anyone, who gets in his way.