Toa Metru
From Free net encyclopedia
Current revision
The Toa Metru are heroes from LEGO's Bionicle storyline, specifically the Metru Nui story arc. In the second half of the arc, they were briefly mutated into half-beasts called Toa Hordika. The term "Metru" means "city" or "city district" and refers to Metru Nui, the island metropolis that the Toa fought to save; the Toa Hordika got their name from the Hordika venom that mutated them.
History
History section is under construction
A thousand years ago, the city of Metru Nui was in danger. Several Toa had disappeared while on missions for Turaga Dume, leaving only Toa Lhikan. Turaga Dume had also ordered all routes out from the city sealed off, in preparation for an impending crisis. And the city had come under attack from a plant creature called the Morbuzakh, causing more Matoran to be kidnapped every day. Lhikan dealt with the Morbuzakh attacks as best he could, but when two Dark Hunters, including Lhikan's former teammate Nidhiki, were seen inside the city, he began to get worried.
Having become suspicious of Dume, Lhikan took matters into his own hands and stole six Toa Stones from the Great Temple. He had originally planned to give the stones to six Matoran who had found Great Kanoka Disks: Nuhrii, Vhisola, Orkham, Ehrye, Tehutti, and Ahkmou; if the disks they found could be recovered, they could be used to stop the Morbuzakh. But he thought better of this plan and instead decided on six others: Vakama, Nokama, Matau, Nuju, Whenua, and Onewa. Lhikan infused the stones with some of his own Toa power and gave them to the Matoran with directions to the Great Temple. Just as he delivered the last Toa Stone to Vakama (who was trying to make a Vahi Mask of Time for Turaga Dume), Nidhiki and his partner Krekka attacked and captured him. The last thing Lhikan told Vakama was to "save the heart of Metru Nui."
The Matoran went to the Great Temple as instructed and place their Toa Stones in the Suva shrine. When the Toa Stones were collected, a beam of light shot out of the shrine and transformed the surprised Matoran into Toa. Amazed at their transformation, the new Toa find Kanoka Disks inside the Suva engraved with their names and images of their new masks; they take these Toa Disks as signs that they were destined to be Toa. After they each choose tools from the Suva's collection, Vakama gets a vision of the Great Disks and the Matoran who found them. Though not everyone had faith in the visions of a "fire-spitter", the Toa Metru agree that it's all they have to go on, so they split up and each search for one of the Matoran.
But the search doesn't go off as well as planned. First, there's the hassle of evading the Vahki enforcers, who are programmed to pacify troublemakers - like a certain group of rookie Toa running around the city. Complicating matters was the fact that the Toa were inexperienced in using their new elemental powers, and could not access their mask powers at all. On top of that, all six Matoran had seemingly disappeared. But after a little detective work on the Toa's part, each Matoran was found and rescued from where they had been trapped by the Dark Hunters. But they also found some evidence that one of the Matoran actually helped set the traps for the other five.
The Toa Metru then began their search for the Great Disks, with the Matoran in tow to keep an eye on them. They agreed to work in teams of four: Vakama and Nuhrii with Onewa and Ahkmou, Whenua and Tehutti with Nuju and Ehrye, and Nokama and Vhisola with Matau and Orkham. With a little work - and several close calls - all were able to retrieve their Great Disks: Nokama got the Ga-Metru Disk from the mouth of a sea monster, Vakama claimed the Ta-Metru Disk from an erupting fire pit, Whenua found the Onu-Metru Disk in an Archives storage closet (after he and Nuju face Rahi monsters behind several wrong doors), Matau grabbed the Le-Metru Disk from a soon-to-implode force sphere, Nuju found the Ko-Metru Disk in an icicle on top of a Knowledge Tower, and Onewa scaled a towering statue to claim the Po-Metru Disk.
With all the Disks found, Vhisola told the Toa Metru that according to her research, the Morbuzakh can be stopped by destroying its King Root. Having noticed the plant's dislike of cold earlier, the Toa figured that the King Root must be in the Great Furnace, so the group headed to Ta-Metru. On the way, Ahkmou tried to run but was quickly caught; when confronted he admitted that Nidhiki threatened him into helping trap the other Matoran.
At the Great Furnace, the Toa Metru were stopped at the entrance by a wall of thorn-shooting vines, and Nuju used up most of his elemental power trying to freeze them (with it doing little good against the furnace's heat). Vhisola led the Matoran into becoming a single being called a Matoran Nui; the Matoran Nui was able to open a path for the Toa Metru before splitting apart again. While the Toa Metru went in to face the King Root, the Matoran escaped the Great Furnace and went their separate ways.
Inside the heart of the furnace, the Toa were shocked to find that the Morbuzakh could communicate telepathically; it explained its plan to take over the city but let it slip that it was commanded to attack by someone. The Toa Metru began to fight it, but used up nearly all their elemental power in the process. The Toa eventually lured the Morbuzakh into drawing them in closer, where they unleashed the powers of the Great Disks. The Disks' power created an energy sphere that cut the Morbuzakh off from its vines and killed it. With the Morbuzakh's defeat, all its vines throughout the city disintegrated, and the Great Furnace collapsed (with the Toa Metru escaping safely).
Fresh from their victory, the Toa Metru went to the Coliseum, hoping to present themselves to Turaga Dume (though they had to make a detour into the Archives to keep them from being flooded, and found themselves fighting a territorial shapeshifter called Krahka). Unfortunately, Dume rejected their gifts of the Great Kanoka Disks and insisted that they pass a grueling physical test before they would be recognized as heroes. With their elemental power drained and their mask powers still inaccessible, the Toa suffered a humiliating defeat. Dume ordered that the "imposter" Toa be arrested; though Vakama, Nokama, and Matau were able to escape. On the way out, Vakama saw the Dark Hunters with Dume and figured out that the three are working together.
On the run from the Vahki and the Dark Hunters; Vakama, Nokama, and Matau saw Lhikan's Spirit Star over Po-Metru, so they headed in that direction; Vakama also began experimenting with the Great Disks and found that he can merge them together. Meanwhile; Onewa, Whenua, and Nuju found themselves locked up with a strange Turaga, who immediately put them to work doing seemingly pointless tasks.
Around this time, the Toa began to activate their mask powers for the first time: Nokama gained hers after admitting she doesn't know all the answers, and her new powers of Translation let her talk to a herd of Kikanalo and gain their help. Matau is taught some humility by the Kikanalo, and could then use his Illusion power to shapeshift. Onewa and Nuju activated their powers of Mind Control and Telekinesis, respectively, when they got in an argument over the strange Turaga's tasks; they were then able to use their new powers to escape their prison. And Whenua used his new power of Night Vision to lead the escapees through the underground tunnels.
The two groups eventually met up in the tunnels under Po-Metru, and the Turaga revealed himself to be Lhikan, whose power was drained by the others' transformation into Toa. Lhikan asked if the "heart of Metru Nui" is safe; when Vakama is confused by the question, Lhikan explained that the "heart of Metru Nui" is the Matoran. Soon afterward, the Toa found a silver sphere with Turaga Dume inside, unmasked and unconscious. With all realizing that someone else has taken control of the city while pretending to be Dume; they quickly headed to the Coliseum.
The Toa Metru
Image:Hordika.jpg Matau is the Toa Metru of Air and guardian of Le-Metru. As a Matoran Matau was a top Ussal driver who loved to see how many speed records he could break-and indeed, he had just finished crash-landing yet another prototype transport vehicle when Toa Lhikan handed him his Toa Stone. Of all the Toa, he is the most excited about being a hero and can't wait for all the public acclaim he is sure is coming. He is proud, impulsive, and headstrong, and willing to take a risk to prove to others that he is worthy of being a "Toa-hero." Matau would like to be close friends with Nokama, but so far she does not seem interested. He has nothing against Vakama, but thinks he would be a better choice for leader of the Toa Metru. As for the other three Toa Metru, Matau feels they take the whole experience too seriously and should really lighten up.
Matau wears the Kanohi Mahiki, the Great Mask of Illusion, which not only allows him to create illusions but actually to shapeshift. He can duplicate the voices of those he impersonates, but does not assume their powers. In Bionicle 2, he used his mask power to his advantage in Po-Metru when Nidhiki and Krekka went after him, he first went to confuse Krekka by turning into Nidhiki, then confuse Nidhiki by turning into Krekka. He carries two Aero-Slicers which are strong enough to cut through energy fields and can also serve as glider wings and rotors. They also channel his elemental air power.
As a Toa Hordika, Matau is the one most eager to seek out Keetongu. His Fang Blades (only one was on him in B3, as with the other Toa Hordika) can cut through most substances, and serve to charge his Air Rhotuka. He is willing to do ANYTHING to reverse the mutation (and become his handsome Toa-self again).
Nokama is the Toa Metru of Water and guardian of Ga-Metru. Before becoming a Toa, Nokama was originally a teacher. Although she is now a heroine, she has not lost the habit of trying to instruct others. This is particularly annoying to Matau, who says she should listen more and “speak-teach” less. Nokama takes her responsibilities as a Toa very seriously, and believes they have a duty to the Great Spirit to meet any challenge. She does sometimes miss her old Matoran friends, though, who now do not seem to know how to act toward her. Nokama is wise and extremely resourceful, having once managed to defeat three Rahkshi single-handedly. She is very good at seeing the big picture and making connections between seemingly unrelated events. Along with Onewa, she is the best tactician among the Toa Metru.
Nokama wears the Kanohi Rau, the Great Mask of Translation, which allows her to read ancient Matoran dialects and understand spoken languages, including Kikanalo (Bionicle 2). Her Toa tools are twin hydro blades, which can pull her through the Protodermis canals at high speed. They are also strong enough to shatter solid rock, and channel her power to control water.
Of all the Toa Hordika, Nokama is the most comfortable with her new form because of its connection to nature. Her tools are twin Fin Barbs, which can dig through most substances (In B3, during the invasion of the Coliseum, she was also able to fire a her fin barb as a grappling hook to latch onto a Visorak's leg and throw it) and charge up her Water Rhotuka spinner. She is not sure if she wants to be a Toa Metru again. She gets mad easily.
Nuju is the Toa Metru of Ice and guardian of Ko-Metru. Nuju was a well-respected seer before becoming a Toa - and sometimes he wishes he could go back to that role. While he takes his duties as a Toa seriously, it is not a job he would have volunteered for. Being a Toa Metru means having to work with others he is not sure he likes and having little time to study. Although Nuju does not have much faith in Vakama's visions, he is practical enough to know that someone has to be the leader. That does not mean Nuju will follow orders he thinks are foolish - like any Ko-Matoran, he prefers to go his own way and choose his own actions. Although he may sometimes seem aloof, he is usually mapping out the consequences of a plan before suggesting it. Nuju is always focused on the future, which explains why he argues regularly with Toa Whenua, who reveres the past.
Nuju wears the Kanohi Matatu, the Great Mask of Telekinesis, which allows him to move objects and beings with his mind. He must be able to see his target in order to affect it, and his mask is designed with basic vision enhancements to make that easier. He carries a pair of crystal spikes, useful for digging into the sheer sides of Knowledge Towers and channeling his ice power.
As a Toa Hordika, Nuju, used to being in control of his emotions, is among those most anxious to be cured of his mutation. Nuju's tools are Hordika teeth, which he uses to summon flying Rahi or charge his Ice Rhotuka. He feels the Toa Hordika have no future. In Bionicle 3, he also had heat vision in his left eye when he was Hordika. This allowed him to find Norik among the rubble inside the Great Temple after Vakama's attack.
Onewa is the Toa Metru of Stone and guardian of Po-Metru. Onewa was a master stone carver before his transformation. Like many residents of Po-Metru, he looks down on those from Ko-Metru and Onu-Metru as not doing "real work." Onewa is courageous, almost to the point of being reckless, and refuses to accept defeat. He will always find a way to win. Onewa has no truly close friends among the Toa Metru, mainly because he is so quick to anger. He particularly rides Vakama and Nuju, neither one of whom are his idea of a Toa. But he can always be trusted in a crisis and has more than once come up with the plan to save the situation. He has enormous confidence in his own ability to achieve.
Onewa wears the Kanohi Komau, the Great Mask of Mind Control, which allows him to direct the actions of other beings. He carries two proto pitons, which he uses to scale buildings and swing from one to another. They also serve to channel his power to control stone.
As a Toa Hordika, Onewa's aleady-aggressive attitude is heavily affected by his transformation. His tools are two Claw Clubs that can hurl stones or energize his Stone Rhotuka. He has violent tendencies and resentment of the other Toa. Image:Bionicle Toa Vakama.jpg Vakama is the Toa Metru of Fire and guardian of Ta-Metru. Vakama was once one of the city's top mask-maskers, with skills so well-respected that Turaga Dume personally asked him to create a Vahi Mask of Time - and he had just failed for the umpteenth time when Toa Lhikan delivered him his Toa Stone. Now he has become a Toa Metru, but he is not always certain he is ready for the role of hero. At times he misses his old life in the foundries, crafting masks for others to wear. Vakama has always been plagued by strange visions of the future. Often their meaning is not clear, and it is a "talent" he has always hidden from others. It is only later that he will discover that those visions are key to saving the city. He has the wisdom and the courage to be a leader, but is not sure he wants that role. Nokama, however, feels strongly that Vakama is the best suited to lead the Toa Metru.
Vakama wears the Kanohi Huna, the Great Mask of Concealment. It allows him to turn invisible, although even in that state, he still casts a shadow. He carries a Kanoka disk launcher. Although his disk launcher can channel his elemental fire power, Vakama often transmits it through his hands.
Vakama is probably the most at risk in his Hordika state, as his reckless determination seems to accelerate his mutation. And, in B3, he turned against the other Toa when Roodaka befriended him to lead the Visorak horde! Vakama's tools are two Blazer Claws, which serve to charge his Fire Rhotuka spinner or light torches.
Whenua is the Toa Metru of Earth and guardian of Onu-Metru. Whenua has the love for history common to all archivists. He still cannot believe he went from being a Matoran one moment to a Toa the next. He is still happiest when he is down in the Archives, and is much less comfortable when visiting other metru. Whenua has his feet on the ground. He knows the Toa Metru are powerful, but he also knows they are not invincible. This makes him a bit more cautious than some of the others, except perhaps in cases where the Archives are threatened. He quarrels with Nuju, who believes the past is unimportant, and with Onewa, who enjoys poking fun at the Toa he refers to as an "Onu-Matoran stock boy."
Whenua wears the Kanohi Ruru, the Great Mask of Night Vision. This mask enables him to light the way for the other Toa, as well as providing him with a degree of X-ray vision. He carries two Earthshock Drills, which can punch holes in virtually anything as well as creating a powerful sonic force when rotated at maximum speed. They also channel his power to control earth.
After spending years examining and storing Rahi, Whenua is in danger of becoming one as a Toa Hordika. His Thumper tools can summon subterranean creatures or power up his Earth Rhotuka. He feels so much closer to the Rahi than the others.