Name: Zhun
Kanohi: Matatu, Great Mask of Telekinesis
Assigned region: None
Status: Dead
Backstory:
Not much is known about Makuta Zhun. Like all Makuta he was created by Mata Nui and formed the Brotherhood of Makuta along with his brethren. After a few thousand years he left Destral, though. At first he only wanted to get to better know the Matoran Universe, but for reasons unknown to anyone but him, he never returned, vanishing for over 90,000 years. What he did during this time is a mystery, although certain incidents suggest that he might have secretly interfered in matters of the Brotherhood after Teridax became leader.
His brethren seemed to have forgotten about him in the meantime, but when Teridax was preparing to take over Metru Nui, he decided to make sure that no rogue Makuta would be able to cause problems during this final stage of his Plan. Thus he sent Kraiden, one of the Brotherhood’s best trackers, to find Zhun and eliminate him…
The strong sea wind made his cloak flap and the grass ripple like a green ocean. Behind him, a hundred bio below, the waves were noisily crashing against the cliffs. Rahi birds were circling overhead, their piercing cries even penetrating the noise of the silver sea.
For a brief moment Zhun wondered if these Rahi had already outlived their creator, like so many others. By the end of this day there would be even more species added to this list.
He allowed himself a sigh. He was waiting since dawn and his pursuer hadn’t yet shown herself, although Zhun could dimly sense her in the forest beyond the grass covered plains, no doubt carefully watching him. Of course she’d first want to make certain this wasn’t a trap, but Zhun had chosen this place for their final confrontation specifically because it didn’t allow for any fancy tricks. He didn’t like to admit it, but she had proven herself to be more than a match for him in the last years. Only an open duel ending with the death of one of them would solve this matter, of that Zhun was sure.
Finally a winged silhouette stepped out of the distant forest, silver armor reflecting the daylight as she canceled her Chameleon power. She had already drawn her sword, as if she expected him to strike at her right away. From what Zhun knew, she was still far from being the best warrior of the Brotherhood, but she had been trained by Gorast on Teridax’s order, so underestimating her would be a fatal mistake. Also she was far better equipped. Her sword was longer than his, giving her an advantage in reach, and she carried an energy shield. Most of all her armor was completely made of Protosteel while his was plain Protodermis, and patched up in many places at that. Still, her wings were a disadvantage on the ground, slowing her down – and she would have to stay there in order to make effective use of her sword. Additionally, her Kanohi wouldn’t offer her any advantage in this fight.
Twenty bio from him his opponent halted. “Zhun.”
“Kraiden.” It was the first word he’d spoken to another Makuta in over 90,000 years.
“In the name of Makuta Teridax I hereby charge you of high treason against the Brotherhood of Makuta and the Matoran Universe. You can either die here and now through my hands or accompany me to Destral, where our leader will decide your fate.”
Silence followed.
“Do you really think, I have a choice?”, Zhun eventually asked.
“Yes.” She sounded sincere. “Currently Teridax might be seeing you as a potential danger to the Plan, brother, but if you agree to stay on Destral until its completion, I believe that you might be allowed to join us again.”
Zhun raised a brow, surprised. “You actually believe that this ruthless monster you call your leader would consider not executing me?” He slowly shook his head. “You’re all blind and deaf. Teridax is far too mindful to let any potential obstacles to his ambitions alive. Some of our brothers and sisters already had to learn that lesson, and many still will. You’re nothing but tools to him, tools he happily discards once they’ve served their purpose.”
“No, Zhun! Teridax has a vision, a vision of making the Brotherhood take the place it deserves in this universe. You weren’t at the Convocation, you haven’t heard what we heard, haven’t seen what we’ve seen! You-”
“I’ve seen Furtaan. And Napak. And Falkin. I’ve heard about Kindrix, about Nevantar, about Xoth and Isthra, about Miserix. He’s not leading you anywhere, he’s killing you one by one, Kraiden, until only he himself will be left.”
“They were all traitors, and Miserix was relieved from his post by a vote.” Kraiden’s tone had become stiff.
“A vote? And that vote gave Teridax permission to simply have Miserix and his supporters executed?”
“It was for the best. Like this confrontation is. I don’t want to fight you, brother, but I’ll take care that you won’t endanger the Plan. I do believe that Teridax might let you live to serve him and even give you chance to redeem yourself, but this possibility is fully up to you.”
Slowly Zhun raised a hand to open the clasp of his cloak. The heavy cloth slid from his shoulders and landed in a heap on the ground. “I won’t serve Teridax and I don’t want to be part of his Brotherhood. Never. Today his ambitions will claim another life. It might be you and me fighting, sister, but this confrontation would never have taken place if not for your dear leader.” Zhun drew his sword with one hand and one of his daggers with the other.
Kraiden raised her sword as well.
In the end Zhun managed to defeat Kraiden, although the loss of Antidermis during the fight greatly weakened him. Subsequently he traveled to Zakaz, where he went into hiding disguised as a Skakdi hermit, to slowly regenerate his power.
He was still there when Teridax took over the Great Spirit Robot. With his enhanced senses Teridax quickly scanned the Matoran Universe for any remaining Makuta and thus finally discovered Zhun. After being forced to create Kraata for some time, Zhun eventually was killed by Teridax.
Equipment:
Alongside his Kanohi Matatu Zhun carried twin daggers and a short curved sword. Since he left the Brotherhood before the Makuta’s evolution his armor was normal Protodermis instead of Protosteel. When he was confronting Kraiden he also wore a hooded cloak.
MOC and …rough backstory based on @Racie02’s Makuta Zhun
Perhaps I should try looking more closely at the backstory next time… but you know, when I start building a MOC I can’t help but get a very own impression of a character.
I changed the colour scheme of this revamp because I wanted him to wear a great Matatu - although the telescope is a bit annoying. I also gave him a hooded cloak instead of only a hood - and I have to admit that the cloak turned out better than expected.
I of course tried to incorporate certain aspects of the original MOC in my revamp, but only managed to include Rahkshi shoulders - they work quite well as lower legs, though.
Overall I’m really happy how this MOC turned out.
New group picture! Maybe I should’ve chosen a different background, though… Kraiden’s topic will follow right away.
That’s 8 done! Although I’ll definitely have to revamp Kindrix at some point, too…
C&C welcome!
