The fire around which the Toa and Kokua slept was a mass of ash and glowing embers when the ashbear approached, curious as to what the tall ones were doing in her territory.
After sniffing the sleepers intently, she peered closer at Kokua before settling down roughly half a bio away, where they wouldn't see her, wondering what had happened to the tall one who had the very playful rahi.
Slowly the night passed and the ashbear watched those sleeping, before resting her head down and drifting off to sleep herself, watching unseen the Great Spirit silently chuckled.
Dawn was breaking as Kokua awoke and stretched, then still not fully awake began checking her wings, smoothing the feathers back into position, as she did the ashbear watched curiously, then glanced over at Pohatu as he sat up, rubbed his eyes and glanced around.
xXxLewa had awoken before dawn and after checking the sky for the umpteenth time, left Pohatu's and started off towards the remote chute station.
Soaring over Po-metru he passed some matoran who were just about to start work, catching a fresh air current, Lewa grinned at those who'd noticed him and waved, then shifted to catch a stronger air current.
Leaving the final assemblers village behind, Lewa smiled, knowing the remote chute station was only a couple of kio away, as he drew closer Lewa began peering around looking for his friends camp.
"Ha, they've got company." he laughed, swiftly descending close to his brothers, sisters and the still watching ashbear.Landing near to the ashbear, who grunted in recognition, Lewa glanced to where Kokua was sitting with her back to the outcrop, while Pohatu was now beginning to sort out breakfast.
Kokua was about to offer her assistance when an echoing voice rang out, "Any more for two?" Startled, Kokua took flight leaving a stray feather behind, while Amaya and Kopaka shot out their blankets, weapons in hand before they'd fully awoken.
"Brother, you came very close to becoming a multi coloured icicle." Pohatu called out grinning, while still sorting the fruit out, as Kokua landed beside Amaya and Kopaka and they glanced towards the outcrop Lewa's voice had echoed from.
"What did he mean two?" she murmured curiously, Kopaka activated his Akaku then smiled briefly, "We've been sleeping in an ashbears' territory." he replied as Lewa and the ashbear came into view.
xXxBack in Ga-metru, Wotzit stirred, nudged Anuenue's hand then wandered out to the main door, nudged it open and headed off to find which of his friends were awake.
Hearing the door opening, Malie stretched and glanced to where the garland Solis had made him hung, "It's odd-strange, I can't remember all of my dream." he thought, glancing into Anuenue's' room before moving through to the main room, pausing to watch some butterflies basking on the window ledge.
Deep in thought Malie didn't realize Turaga Anuenue was now up and had glanced into the main room, she smiled and went to get them something to eat.
"Sister are you awake yet?" Anuenue called to Aikane, while carrying the tray into the main room, "Yes, I've just been telling Nokama about our dream." "Want to join us for breakfast?" Anuenue replied placing the tray on the table.Startled out of his thoughts, Malie blushed when he realized that Turaga Anuenue had fixed breakfast and was starting to apologize as she sat down, "It's alright Malie, you were at least a mio away." Anuenue chuckled gently as she passed him a dish of fruit, then smiled at Aikane and Nokama as they joined them.
Malie listened as Aikane, Turaga Nokama and Anuenue talked about the dream they'd shared, then while Aikane and Nokama continued chatting, he tapped Anuenue's arm then signed something.
"Are you sure?" she whispered stunned, Malie nodded and smiled as Anuenue switched masks, Aikane and Nokama watched curiously as she then activated her Mahiki.
When the glow faded, Turaga Anuenue glanced at Malie feeling slightly uneasy about assuming Solis's form, but the hug she found herself caught up in told her more than his gestures that it was alright.
Ferinus and Axonn tapped on Anuenue's door then entered and joined her and the others, Ferinus looked stunned to see 'Solis' being hugged by Malie and sat down heavily beside Turaga Nokama.
While Anuenue resumed her true form after giving Malie what Solis had asked her to, Aikane explained as Malie grinned happily while 'telling' the rainbow hued Turaga that she'd got Solis's flower just right, Anuenue smiled lifting her beaker up, "Ferinus's and your reaction said it all."
"I'm glad Reshana wasn't here." she whispered to Aikane.
A few minutes later Malie went to get more water as everyone chatted, and was filling the jug when he suddenly realized he wasn't alone, glancing up Malie nearly dropped the jug as Solis's spirit grinned at him, "I'm allowed to visit you once a day for a while." she giggled softly as Malie quickly put the jug down and moved closer to her.
...
"Malie, do you need a hand?" Aikane enquired, sticking her head around the doorway, then blinked and smiled at Solis, "Ah, I'm guessing this is part of what Father told you."
"Yes Toa Aikane." Solis replied bowing to her, Malie still looked stunned as he finished filling the jug, so Aikane took it and led them back to the main room, Ferinus yelped stunned as Solis's spirit grinned at him before settling beside Malie.
Axonn caught their eyes and winked as Turaga Nokama and Ferinus talked with Solis, curious as to why she was there, she had just finished explaining when Wotzit returned and immediately 'bounced' over to see who Malie's friend was.
Solis had moved to stand beside Malie's seat and watched amused as Wotzit went straight through her, "Oh Wotzit, you kolhii head!" Anuenue spluttered as everyone burst out laughing.
xXx
Reshana awoke and was about to look at where Naneki and Keliana had snuggled against her when she heard them squeaking nearby, Keetongu nodded as she sat, moving over to where he sat on the log seat, Reshana joined him and half the Rahaga.
"Gaaki, Iruini and Pouks are with Notegeku and the cubs." Norik grinned as Kualus handed Reshana some fruit, when everyone finished eating they joined Notegeku, the cubs and the other Rahaga outside.
Pouks grinned as they sat nearby so as not to disturb Naneki and Keliana as they practised sitting up, their dam watching while murmuring gently in their tongue, several minutes later, the cubs realized their sire and friends had joined to watch and squeaked happily as they looked around at everyone.
"Will Naneki's and Keliana's colours change as they grow?" Bomonga asked Notegeku as she lifted the cubs up and moved to sit beside him and Gaaki.
"Maybe, some do. But only time will tell." she replied, then glanced to where the Kikanalo herd stood, the chief growled softly then led the others off to feed, Keetongu was about to sit with Norik and Kualus when his attention was caught by a flicker of blue drawing closer.
When he could see who was coming Keetongu smiled, "You understated Kokua's wings." he commented to Norik as Kokua landed nearby and came to join them, sitting near Notegeku she explained that Amaya had gone back to Ga-metru with Lewa and Pohatu and Kopaka were near the remote chute station.
Keliana then surprised everyone by wriggling out of Notegeku's lap, crawled over to Kokua, sat beside her and began examining the feathers of Kokua's wing.
xXx
Tahu and Tein'a were clearing up after finishing their breakfast when Tahu asked where the rest of Tein'a's brothers were, "I think Lerihua and Hakinu have gone to look around the archives again and Sheranu did mention something about having another try at riding the phase dragon."
Leaving Tahu's Tein'a shook his head, "Talk about hope springs eternal."
"Kongu's gonna be busy." Tahu replied laughing as they headed for the chute station, "How true, shall we head there first?" Tein'a chuckled, waving to Aodhan, Balta and Kapura as they headed to the forges.
Reaching the main station, Tahu grinned as Jaller and Ahonui joined them, "Morning Jaller, Ahonui heading to Ga-metru?" he enquired, "I felt I should go to the Great Temple and Jaller asked to come with me." Ahonui replied, then grinned as Jaller blushed slightly before entering the chute.
xXx
Amaya grinned as the ashbear sniffed at Kokua again, "I think she thinks you're Anuenue." she chuckled softly, while Kokua cautiously offered the ashbear a piece of fruit.
Growling gently as she took the fruit, ashbear realized this wasn't the over friendly rahi's friend but someone similar, "Looks like you've got-made a new friend-mate" Lewa laughed as the ashbear finished eating then licked the remaining fruit juice off Kokua's hands.
Kopaka and Pohatu listened while Lewa told Amaya why he'd come and Kokua watched the ashbear finish the rest of the fruit, "Will you go to Keetongu's cavern and let Reshana and the Rahaga know what's happening?" Pohatu asked Kokua as they finished packing their blankets.
"Yeah, alright." Kokua laughed trying to fend off the ashbear's attempt to lick her face.
"Sister-bear," Lewa laughed, "If you wait-stay nearby I'll get-fetch Wotzit." turning from the tall winged one, ashbear growled softly, nudging him while Kokua giggled.
When the ashbear had moved into the shade, Lewa linked arms with Amaya and took off in the direction of Ga-metru, while Pohatu and Kopaka started back to the remote chute station.
Kokua waved to them before soaring in the direction of Keetongu's cavern, revelling in the feeling of the wind in her face, Kokua wondered what Reshana had been doing, then smiled as the familiar landmarks around Keetongu's cavern came into view.
Looking curiously over at the circle which the Rahaga, Keetongu, Notegeku and Reshana were sitting in, Kokua joined them and murmured amazed when she saw the cubs.
"Oh they're beautiful." Kokua murmured sitting beside Notegeku, she then grinned at Reshana, "You've had an interesting time." she commented grinning, Reshana smiled, then everyone watched as Keliana moved to sit beside Kokua and began examining her feathers.
"If you want to stay for a while, we'll give Reshana a lift back to the remote chute station." Pouks said, as Naneki joined his sister, who was now brushing her hands over Kokua's wing fascinated by how soft the feathers were.
"Good idea." Keetongu commented, as Naneki clambered onto Kokua's lap before she could reply, then squeaked as Keliana smiled at him.
While Notegeku and Kokua watched the cubs, Keetongu walked a short distance with the Rahaga and Reshana, "They're very curious at this age and will be for quite a while." he chuckled, then watched as the Rahaga and Reshana headed towards the remote chute station.
xXx
By the time Wotzit had calmed down, the rest of the Turaga had joined us and were deep in conversation with Aikane and Solis, Malie close beside her.
Roughly half an hour later, she quietly said her time was up, then nodded as Turaga Anuenue hugged Malie as he tried to hold Solis's hand, "It's alright I'll come back tomorrow." Solis murmured as she faded from sight.
Seeing how upset his quiet friend was, Wotzit lent against Malie's legs, nudging him gently, while Malie cuddled Wotzit, Ferinus, Axonn and Aikane sat with them while the Turaga went outside and sat on the benches.
"The rest of the Toa Voya will be joining us later." Dume explained to Anuenue, she listened as he and Vakama explained then nodded, "When I awoke I could sense something was going to happen." she replied, then chuckled "Malie will be delighted to watch."
xXxArriving in Le-metru Tahu and Tein'a chuckled when Acirru told them about how Sheranu was doing, "I think the phase dragon enjoy-likes what Sheranu's trying to attempt-do." he laughed.
Heading towards the square near Lewa's and Matau's, they were joined by Kewe and Tamaru, "If we wait-stay here, I'm sure they will fly-race past." Vira snickered, as he joined the group.
While waiting, Tein'a chatted with Vira about his gukko bird Shiori, then everyone heard a distant yell approaching at speed.
"YAHOOOOO!"Sheranu hollered, as the phase dragon he was clinging to shot overhead at top speed.
Close behind them, Kongu and Lomako followed on Ka and Aikel, the gukko birds chirping with excitement, Kongu had just enough time to wave to his friends before they all raced out of sight, Tein'a and Tahu glanced at each other then whistled softly.
xXxGali smiled as Hakinu and Lerihua joined her then lent a hand with the scrolls she'd been reading, while carefully placing them back Hakinu asked if they could go with her to Ga-metru.
"Of course." the Toa of Water laughed, linking arms with them, as they headed for the main chute station in Onu-metru, on their way there they joined up with Onua and Pelagia as they walked in the same direction.
"Got a message from Turaga Whenua asking if I could ask you and Hakinu to head for Ga-metru." he explained as they entered the main chute station, while Pelagia and Hakinu chatted about the dermis turtles.
Arriving back in Ga-metru, everyone headed towards the main park where Lewa was now talking with Turaga Anuenue, while the other Turaga conversed with Aikane, Ferinus and Axonn as Malie amused Wotzit by playing tug 'o' war with a sturdy plaited seaweed rope."I'm sure Wotzit'll be delighted." Anuenue laughed when Lewa told her of how the ashbear had reacted to Kokua, then whistled to catch Wotzit's attention.
Bouncing over to his 'pack leader', Wotzit nudged her affectionately then 'listened' as she 'asked' if he'd like to see the first friend he'd made again, barking excitedly, Wotzit ran around her and his tall green friend.
"That's a yes." Anuenue laughed as Wotzit skidded to a halt, sat, then held his paw up several times, making everyone chuckle, while Anuenue switched masks again, "Now don't wriggle-fidgit as we go." Lewa grinned as he carefully lifted Wotzit up, then glanced at Aikane, "Care to give me some aid-help, sister?"
"Of course." she laughed, switching to her Miru Nuva, then as they headed towards Po-metru, Tahu, Tein'a and Sheranu arrived on gukko birds.
xXxWaiting by the remote chute station, Pohatu and Kopaka sat in the shade sharing a water canister, while the ashbear rested nearby, glancing up at the sky from time to time.
Around midday she glanced towards the north and growled softly, several minutes later Kopaka smiled, "The Rahaga are coming with Reshana." he commented, standing up to wave to them.
Pouks and Bomonga went to see the ashbear, while Reshana told her brothers what had taken place at Keetongu's' cavern.
"Are Naneki and Keliana the same colours as Keetongu and Notegeku?" Pohatu asked while Reshana had a drink, "No, Notegeku said their colours may change. But at the moment Naneki is orange/gold and Keliana is pale green/gold." Gaaki replied, glancing upwards as Lewa, Aikane and Wotzit came into view.
xXxHaving tired of playing with Kokua's feathers, Naneki had returned to Notegeku and was squeaking quietly as he settled in her arms.
Keliana watched her brother for a few minutes then crawled onto Kokua's lap and as Kokua carefully lifted her up, drifted off to sleep, "How long will it be before they can walk?" Kokua softly asked, as she followed Notegeku into the cavern and over to where Keetongu had just finished preparing a small bed of moss.
"A few days, then things will get active." Keetongu softly chuckled, watching as she and his mate gently placed the cubs onto the moss, without waking Naneki and Keliana snuggled closer together.
Then Kokua pulled two strands of colour from the air and passed them to Notegeku, "A gift for them." she murmured quietly, blushing slightly as she and Notegeku left the cavern.On leaving the cavern Notegeku and Kokua walked a short distance before sitting in the shade, Notegeku silently examined the rainbow coloured strands while Kokua absent-mindedly brushed her hands over her wings.
"What do you usually do with these?" Notegeku commented, rousing Kokua from her reverie, "Make them into bracelets." she replied as they stood up, nodding Notegeku smiled, "You should go and tell your sisters." the dark green/gold rahi said, watching Kokua as she fluffed out her wings.
"Can I come back sometime?" Kokua asked, hovering roughly half a bio in the air, Notegeku chuckled, "Naneki and Keliana would be disappointed if you didn't." Kokua laughed happily, waved to her rahi friend then flew towards Ga-metru, disappearing swiftly from sight.
Looking at the coloured strands again, Notegeku smiled and rejoined her mate and cubs.
xXxLanding close to their brothers and sister, Aikane stepped back to let Lewa set Wotzit down, barking excitedly he 'bounced' around them before racing over to where the ashbear waited.
While they chased around, Aikane and Lewa listened as Norik, Iruini and Reshana told them and the others about what had occurred at Keetongu's cavern, by the time they'd finished, Wotzit had flaked out in the shade and everyone had waved to Kokua as she flew overhead.
"See you back at Ga-metru main square." Aikane called when Kokua paused mid-flight, "Ok sister, see you soon." she replied before soaring out of sight, "It's no wonder the phase dragons want to race with her." Pohatu chuckled as he lifted Wotzit up and joined Lewa while the others nodded grinning, then entered the chute station.
xXx
"That was the best ride-flight ever!" Sheranu laughed, as he joined Ferinus and Turaga Matau, who listened as Sheranu told them in great detail of his latest attempt to ride on a phase dragon.
Malie laughed at his brothers antics, then glanced to where Turaga Dume, Nuju and Anuenue were chatting with Amaya, Tahu and Tein'a about Vakama's latest vision.
Looking around to see where Malie was, Anuenue excused herself from the discussion and walked over to where he stood watching everyone as they talked.
"Shall we go for a walk?" she asked smiling at Malie, he looked over to where Sheranu and Matau were chuckling at something Tein'a said then nodded, pointing in the direction of the Great Temple, "Yes, we'll head there and wait for the others."
xXx
Arriving in the main square, Gali, Lerihua and Hakinu walked over to join their brothers and sisters, as they reached them, Gali caught a glimpse of Anuenue and Malie moving in the direction of the Great Temple.
"We'll meet them there." Aikane whispered before Gali could call to their sister, "Ok, just curious." Gali replied with a chuckle, then glanced up as Kokua landed nearby, smiling delightedly.
"Cubs." Onewa murmured softly as everyone listened to Kokua while she told them what she'd seen, "What are their names?" Nokama asked when their winged sister finished speaking.
"I think Reshana should be the one to let you know." she giggled after having a drink, then waved to Reshana, Kopaka, Amaya and the Rahaga as they strolled into view.
Not long after they'd joined everyone, Lewa and Pohatu landed close by, after helping Wotzit have a drink Lewa watched as Kai and Pelagia guided the tired dog into Anuenue's before they headed off to join Hahli and Jaller.
Dume smiled as he stood up and glanced around at the Toa, whom all politely ceased talking and waited for him to speak, "We'd like all of you to accompany us over to the Great Temple, then for the Toa Nuva to wait in the park for us and the Toa Voya to return."
The Toa glanced at each other murmuring curiously, then followed the Turaga, Kokua and Axonn as they started walking in the direction Anuenue and Malie had gone.
"Hahli could you keep an eye on Wotzit? We've got something to do." Nokama asked her, as she and Jaller walked back from the shoreline, hiding a smile at the strand of seaweed wedged in Jaller's mask.
"With pleasure Turaga, come on Jaller." Hahli giggled as Jaller having realized what Tahu was grinning about, blushed and tried ineffectively to remove the seaweed.
Chuckling as the Chronicler and Captain headed for Anuenue's, the Toa, Turaga, Kokua and Axonn continued on their way towards the park before the causeway to the Great Temple.
Everyone was nearly at the park when they were met by Nixie, Suna and Kazi, who invited Kokua to come with them to Suna's', "I'll catch up later." Kokua murmured softly to Gali before heading off with the matoran.
Smiling Gali turned to catch up with everyone else as they waited by the causeway, then the Toa Nuva settled on the benches nearby and watched as the Turaga, Axonn and Toa Voya headed towards the Great Temple.
Reaching the causeway, Turaga Anuenue and Malie began to walk across to the Great Temple, halfway there they paused and watched a distant pod of razor whales.
"I know, they're amazing." Anuenue laughed as Malie 'commented' excitedly when the whales dived, he grinned then glanced towards the heart of Ga-metru.
"When do you think my brother will chose-get his weapons?" Malie signed as they continued towards the Great Temple, surprised the rainbow hued Turaga paused then sat on a nearby bench, "I'm not sure." she replied softly after a few moments.
Watching Turaga Anuenue as she glanced at him curious as to why he'd asked, Malie shrugged adding, "I'm not sure why I asked that." Anuenue laughed, then hugged Malie before suggesting they carried on to the Great Temple.
Malie grinned then scrambled onto the wall and walked along it as Turaga Anuenue snickered "Is there room for two?" before laughing as Malie began walking on his hands.
When they drew closer to the Great Temple Malie righted himself and jumped off the wall to walk beside Turaga Anuenue, Ahonui was sitting on the bench and waved to them.
"Would you like something while waiting for the others?" he asked as they reached him and sat on the bench beside the entrance, "That would be nice." Anuenue smiled, Ahonui glanced at Malie who agreed with an enthusiastic nod.
While Ahonui headed off to get something, they sat and watched the afternoon light sparkling off the buildings of Ga-metru, "Thank you." Anuenue smiled as Ahonui handed me and Malie beakers, then joined them, sitting on the Turaga's left.
