The heavy metal door slides open for the first time in centuries, spilling a blinding column of light into the darkness below.



Two figures, lit by the faint yellow glow of their lightstone torches, step cautiously, single file, through the dim hallway.



The metal walls of this place had become corroded and overgrown by the encroaching jungle above.



Teams had been searching for a place much like this for a long time now. Derelict facilities from an ancient race of beings, technologically advanced ages beyond modern civilization. Most of their journey had been for naught, but the wanderers hoped to have finally found what they were looking for.



After what seemed like an eternity, the hallway finally opens into a room. The jungle had yet to overcome the thick walls of this area. The lights they held were barely enough to make out the silhouettes of what was inside.



The center of the room sat a tall circular machine. It was complex, with numerous panels and pistons covering the majority of the structure. Circled around it were thick metal tables and workbenches, with very little wear or damage at all. In fact the majority of this room was in immaculate condition.



"do you think this is it" one of the wanderes chimed in. They were slightly shorter than the one walking in front.



Takanuva turned to face them.

"It has to be" he said, a smile forming.

He turned and started stepping toward the room's center.



"call the Turaga" he continued. "get Nuparu and his band of engineers. I want research to begin immediately."



He placed his hand against the side of the structure.



"I think we could actually get this thing working again"



Written in matoran on the side of the machinery on a metal plate.



"The Forge Of the Stars".



--------------------------------------------------------------------



Several years prior.



"it has to be you" Jaller had been saying.

"to lead these people to a new age"



"you know I've never been much of the leader type"

Takanuva was always happy to see Jaller.

Ever since they were matoran on Metru Nui they'd been inseparable friends.



"a lot has changed Takua. We aren't the same young matoran we used to be." Jaller gestured at him. Jaller would still refer to Takanuva with his old name. He'd find it demeaning from anyone else, but from Jaller it was always comforting.



Takanuva looked up at him. He had stood up from his seat and was beaming with excitement. Jaller looked more and more like Toa Lihkan by the day. He preferred wearing the old mask passed down to him on mata nui, for sentimentality.



"I suppose so" said takanuva, realizing he'd been silent for too long.



"the tale of a humble matoran turned legendary Toa of Light. They love that story".



Takanuva chuckled.



"who better to lead the us? Our light in the darkness"



Jaller stepped over to him and takanuva stood up out of his seat.



"besides" Jaller grinned "I could be your right hand toa!"



"oh?" takanuva smirked



"just imagine, Takua... Chancellor Jaller. That has a nice ring doesn't it?"



Takanuva wrapped his arm around his shoulder



"pssht, Chancellor?" he replied sarcastically. "I think you'd be more fitting as my secretary!".



The two friends wouldn't stop laughing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------



Jaller was right. The Matoran needed a leader, and albeit reluctantly, Takanuva was the one to fill that role.



It was borderline unanimous. Others of the toa nuva, even an odd av-matoran named Solek, tried valiantly to win over the hearts of the people. In the end however, there was only ever one toa who could lead the enlightenment.



Takanuva had dreams of constructing a new city. Something larger than that of even Metru Nui. A safe place where Matoran and the native Agori could live together peacefully.



Construction of such a city began swiftly. He was greatly respected among the civilization, so as soon as he announced his great plan, his dream became theirs as well.



Nuparu and the other engineers made quick work of designing massive construction equipment. Lumbering, handcrafted machines for matoran to operate.



Many matoran immediately began concocting goods or services to provide the people. Scholars built up their grand libraries of knowledge.



In what seemed like no time at all, interconnected, domed buildings dotted the once barren landscape. Homes, businesses, tall towers sprouted from the ground.



Meanwhile, While the city's construction was underway, Takanuva lead a party of explorers out across Spherus Magna. He wished to uncover secrets of the great beings. Mata Nui himself had wanted to learn more about his creators, Takanuva would say. He hoped to eventually fulfill the great spirit's desire.



Which brings us to where we began.



Over time they learned of a mysterious machine. It was known only as the Forge of the Stars. Any details that could be found about it were vague to say the least, though it was said to have powers that rivaled the Red Star itself. Incredible powers of creation.



This machine would help immensely in the future of the great city, But Takanuva knew exactly what the first thing he'd forge would be.