Upon invitation from Ackar, Kit and Mata Nui followed the Glatorian to his home. It was simple—a bed, a table, a chair, and a window—but it was cozy. Ackar began to pack supplies in a satchel.

"What are you packing for?" Kit asked.

"I'm due for another match in Tesara, a village to the northwest," he replied.

While Ackar continued to stock up, the girl joined Mata Nui in admiring a wall practically covered in shields, trophies of the Glatorian's past victories. 'He wasn't kidding when he said he already had plenty,' Kit thought to herself; there must've been at least a hundred of them. "Wow, you won all these?" she inquired with admiration.

"Yes," Ackar answered, though casually. "And look what good they do me. I should've packed it in long before this."

"But, you stayed," said Mata Nui, turning to face the aged warrior. "Why?"

"Duty. Pride," Ackar answered with a bit of a sad, longing tone. "But, a Glatorian past his prime is no good to anyone."

"To be defeated without a fight would be dishonor," Mata Nui pointed out. "You carry this truth inside you, as Kit and I do. You are a true Toa."

Ackar looked at him, perplexed, "Toa?"

"We'll take it that that title's not in your vocabulary," said Kit.

"No, can't say it is. What is it?"

Before Mata Nui and Kit could explain, Metus let himself in. "Mata Nui! You were brilliant! Rannu will pay anything we ask and if you don't like this village,no problem. I can get the other leaders to bid for you."

"That is very kind, but no."

Metus looked at Mata Nui as if he had volunteered to be a Skrall's practice dummy. "Are you crazy? Do you realize what you're passing up? The life of a First Glatorian!"

"Oh, yes, look how great it worked out for me," said Ackar as he continued to find things to pack.

"The answer is still no," Mata Nui repeated to the Agori firmly.

"Ok, ok, I hear you, but when you change your mind-"

"I will not."

"Playing hard to get. I can respect that. Soon enough you'll come around begging me to take you back."

Mata Nui growled and narrowed his eyes at the promoter. Metus, in response, held up his hands and walked backwards towards the door. "Ok, that's a joke. You'd never beg." He exited the shelter and disappeared from the doorway. But then, he popped his head back in and said, "I'm going now," before vanishing for real. Ackar, Kit, and Mata Nui shared a laugh at the sight.

"So, strangers, what are your plans?" Ackar asked.

"I begin searching for a way back to my homeland," Mata Nui replied.

"And, I'm going with him," added Kit.

"And, your homeland is?" asked Ackar, prompting Kit and Mata Nui to look at each other uneasily.

"You will think it sounds crazy," Mata Nui finally said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Well, no crazier than jumping into the arena, armed with only a tail and . . . that thing," Ackar noted as he pointed at the scarabax beetle perched on Mata Nui's shoulder, which clicked in response.

"No offense, but he does have a point," said Kit.

After a minute, Mata Nui said, "My home is far from this place . . . on another world entirely." Ackar stopped and turned to look at the pair. He had no doubt from the moment he saw her that Kit was not of Bara Magna, but Mata Nui an alien as well? "I was once a protector, until I lost everything to a powerful evil that has enslaved my people. That is why I must find a way back," Mata Nui elaborated.

"And . . . what's your story, Kit?" the Glatorian asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'm from another dimension, another universe completely," she answered. "Until a few hours ago, I was also in charge of protecting Mata Nui's homeworld. Now, I'm here to help him out and to see to it that he gets back . . . somehow."

Suddenly, a voice cried, "I knew it!" Mata Nui and Kit jumped a little, turned around, and Ackar exclaimed in surprise. The new arrival was a blue-armored Glatorian and, judging from the lean and wiry physique and pitch of voice, it was female. She jumped and whooped and hollered excitedly, almost reminding Kit of what Matau was like as a Toa. "Proof! Proof of what I've been saying for years!" she said.

"Kiina! This is not the place," Ackar scolded.

"But, I was right!" she countered.

"Who is this?" Mata Nui demanded, brandishing his sword while Kit warmed up a couple of energy balls.

Ackar tried to calm them down, "No, wait. She's-"

The female, though, cut him off, "The name's Kiina. A Glatorian. One of the best. And, you two just won me a lot of bets." Kit and Mata Nui both cocked eyebrows in a confused manner at the Glatorian's statement. "'Kiina's delusional. There's no such thing as other worlds.' Yeah, well, they prove it." While Kiina proceeded to strut around and chant in a singsong-kind of way, Ackar explained.

"It's ok. Although I don't always agree with her methods—such as lurking in the shadows—as Glatorian go, Kiina ranks. I'd trust her with my life."

After observing the female Glatorian a moment more, Kit gave Mata Nui a look that silently asked, 'What do you think?' "Good to meet you Kiina," he replied. "I have recently discovered what a great gift it is to find someone you can truly trust." The scarabax on his shoulder clicked a reply.

When Kiina spotted it, she backed away a step, obviously repulsed. "So what they're saying is true?" she asked Ackar, who nodded. She then got up close to Mata Nui, peering closer at the insect. "Let me guess. You guys call him 'Click'," she said sarcastically. Not liking her tone, the bug clicked and chittered defensively, making Kiina step back. "Hey, I was just kidding."

"Actually, it does suit him," Kit said thoughtfully, hand to her chin.

"I like it, too," Mata Nui concurred. "'Click' it is." The newly christened Click clicked, as if happy to have a name.

Kiina, meanwhile, walked in a circle around Mata Nui and Kit, taking in every angle of their bodies. Whereas Mata Nui looked so much like the other Glatorian that she met, Kit was something else. The armor she wore looked so feeble, like it could tear easily. How was it supposed to protect her? A wad of light colored hair covered her head. She was about to feel it, but thought better of it. And, most fascinating of all was her completely organic body. 'How does she get on without any implants?' Kiina thought to herself. 'Unless they're underneath that armor, or whatever it is.' "Wow, not one but two real otherworlders," she finally mused aloud. "Finally, someone to convince the Agori there's a place better than this miserable wasteland."

"They need our help, Kiina, and I owe Mata Nui," said Ackar, frowning.

Kit wasn't sure, but she could've sworn there was a hint of a warning in his voice. "Help, huh?" Kiina considered. "I might be able to do something for you guys. But, I'm going to want something in return. I want out of this dump. You have to take me with you!" 'Boy, she's bold,' Kit thought to herself. Ackar was about to reprimand the female, fearing she was asking too much, but Mata Nui placated him and turned to Kiina.

"If it's within our power, we'll take you, but the time to help my people is running out."

"No problem, I work fast," she replied.

"What do you have in mind, Kiina?" Ackar asked, genuinely curious. As far as he knew, there was no way to get off Bara Magna.

"Well, I discovered an enormous cavern under my village. It's filled with weird ancient equipment and tools. It might have something you two can use. Word of warning, though, don't even think of pulling a fast one 'cause you're my ticket out of here."

Kit chuckled, "Don't worry, Kiina. We wouldn't even dream of it. Knowing you, you won't let us." Everyone laughed at the girl's joke. 'I could get to like this girl,' Kiina thought, finding herself liking the kid's sense of humor and ability to think on her feet.


The next hour was spent discussing the journey to Kiina's water village of Tajun. The female Glatorian suggested that they get moving right away, using the cover of the darkness of night to make it less likely that they would be spotted by Bone Hunters. Ackar, however, pointed out that evening was when Vorox were most active and had a nasty habit of launching surprise attacks from the sand, which would be harder to see in the dark. Therefore, they'd be better off traveling during the light of day, even though that meant traversing in blistering desert heat and making it easier for Bone Hunters to notice them with no cover available in the wildlands.

Another issue they needed to deal with was transportation. Kiina's first choice was to use hooved animals called sand stalkers that were commonly used as mounts for the Glatorian. Unfortunately, hers was sick and not fit for traveling. So, that left only one other option, which Ackar went to take care of while the others called it a night.


The next morning, after gathering up what supplies they thought they would need, the group followed Ackar to the courtyard of the village. There they found the same kind of vehicle that Metus had, only bigger. "You're kidding," Kiina said to Ackar in disbelief.

"It's the best I could find on such short notice," Ackar replied; he wasn't kidding. "I'll admit it does look a little beat up, but I was assured that it's still going strong."

"'A little beat up'? That thing looks like it's been patched up and repaired a dozen times over, and you know as well as I do that dune chariots are just as reliable as a Skrall's word."

"But it's the only option we have," said Mata Nui. "We're going to have to make it work."

With a sigh, Kiina hopped into the driver's seat while the others climbed on wherever they could. Kit had to admit that Kiina had a point; the chariot did seem very rickety. However, Mata Nui was right—unless they wanted to waste time by walking, they didn't have any other choice. And so, they drove through the entrance/exit of the village, unaware that they were noticed by a malicious pair of eyes.


About an hour had passed, and it already felt to Kit like it was ninety degrees, give or take. She really hoped that Ackar was right about them making it to the village before high sun as she took a few gulps of water from her canteen, resisting the urge to drink as much as she desired in order to conserve it as long as possible. 'The long sleeves of my shirt, my jeans, and the dark colors of my clothes don't help much, either,' she thought to herself. In the distance, she saw a huge canyon which Ackar identified as Sandray Canyon.

"Is the cavern in that canyon?" Mata Nui asked Kiina.

"No, it's near Tajun, my village, just beyond the canyon," she replied. 'Good, that means once we reach that canyon, we'll be almost there,' Kit thought. 'I wonder if they'll let me take a quick dip in their pool.'

After what seemed like forever, and just when Kit thought she couldn't take it anymore, they reached the canyon, where it was a little cooler. Both Mata Nui and the girl admired the majesty of the natural formation whereas the Glatorian looked about them warily, especially Ackar.

"I don't like this," said the veteran. "This canyon's ideal for an ambush."

"Please, even Bone Hunters aren't dumb enough to take on three Glatorian," Kiina countered, though she knew it wasn't true. She knew Bone Hunters would try anything so long as they had the element of surprise, but she didn't want Mata Nui and Kit to change their minds and decide they wanted out of this crazy ride.

Ackar knew what she up to, though, and let her know it. He felt the two had a right to know if there was going to be any danger, plus he owed Mata Nui. "They're getting bolder. Skrall, too. In the past months they've seemed to know our every move." 'That's not good,' Kit said to herself, experience telling her so.

"True," Kiina agreed, "but don't worry. It's not like we got much worth stealing. Well, maybe Mata Nui does." Click clicked with enthusiastic agreement. "I meant his blade, bug-face," snapped the female Glatorian. "I can't believe I'm talking to an insect."

"Believe it, sister. I just heard you," Kit piped in, flashing a playful grin. Kiina, for some reason, couldn't help but smile back; the young Otherworlder was really starting to grow on her.

"When an enemy knows too much, it can only mean one thing—a traitor," said Mata Nui, also speaking from experience.

"I was thinking the same thing," nodded Ackar. "But, who?"

Suddenly, the ground quaked and there was a threatening rumble. "I think we've got a bigger problem!" yelled Kiina as the rumble picked up in volume. Seeing the ground buckling and heaving up ahead, Kit's first thought was an earthquake. But then the ground exploded, revealing an at least forty foot tall half animal, half-machine like creature. It had four legs that were equipped with treads and claws and a pair of nasty looking pincers completed its massive mouth. It roared as the chariot approached.

"What is that thing?" Kit shouted, her eyes wide with terror.

"Skopio!" Ackar replied.

Kiina immediately went into action to avoid the beast's claws; her wild driving forcing Kit to hold on and brace herself to keep from being thrown. After a few tries, Kiina got them turned around.

"We should turn back," said Mata Nui; maybe they could find a less dangerous route.

"Can't," Ackar pointed behind him. "They're even deadlier."

Looking behind the chariot, Kit saw what he meant—a band of black armored riders on bipedal reptile-like animals, and, especially considering the swords they had up, they didn't look friendly. 'Those must be the Bone Hunters I've heard so much about,' she realized.

"My village! There's another Glatorian there," Kiina said. "Just got to make it through."

Kit switched her view to the distance up ahead and, sure enough, she saw what looked like a settlement of some kind. Of course, that meant she also noticed that they were heading right for the Skopio again. "Hang on tight!" Kiina called and punched down on the accelerator, dodging a strike. 'This girl's driving like a maniac!' Kit thought to herself when the female Glatorian used their momentum to drive along the canyon wall. However, the Skopio managed to land a hit after that, sending the chariot and its occupants tumbling end-over-end.

The Glatorian regained their feet while Mata Nui tended to a disoriented Kit. Seeing that the girl didn't seem to be injured, he turned to Ackar. "Help Kiina. We'll draw the beast away from you."

"Good luck," Ackar nodded and joined the fray.

Mata Nui then turned to Click and Kit, "Alright you two, ready?" Click nodded and shifted to shield form.

"Mata, I was born ready," Kit replied and summoned her armor suit.

Again, just like at Karda Nui, it warped and changed due to the adaptive armor. When it was finished, she found herself looking through a tinted shade that reduced the glare of the sun. She looked at her hands and down at herself. The armor placement and colors were still the same, but the body suit was now a mottled light tannish-brown color, reminding her of the camouflage pattern soldiers had on their uniforms. A light colored scarf was loosely wrapped around her neck and lower face and formed a cover for her head to protect her scalp from the sun, just like the desert dwelling peoples of her world wore.

Nodding to Mata Nui, the two charged the Skopio. The creature reared, preparing to strike. A shot from Kit, however, dissuaded it and bought her and Mata Nui a chance to run underneath it. It took the bait, solely focusing on the golden armored and small multi-colored runners, turning around and lunging at them with its pincers and legs. Each shot missed, but was too close for comfort. Kit and Mata Nui were already getting tired having to dodge the blows, but they both knew if they slowed down so much as one step, they'd wind up as either pieces or a pile of broken bones. "Let's split up!" Kit suggested, heading toward the canyon wall.

The Skopio, already getting tired of the little pests, readied the Thornax launcher on its back. Deciding it could handle Kit later, it aimed at Mata Nui. Kit saw what it was doing. "Mata Nui, watch it!" she shouted. The Skopio fired its launcher. Hearing the girl's warning almost too late, Mata Nui gasped at the sight over his shoulder and lifted his shield just the instant before the Thornax would've hit him. The force of the blow sent him skidding in the sand, but otherwise he was unhurt.

"Mata Nui!" Kiina called to him this time. The Glatorian was barely holding her own against the onslaught of Bone Hunters. "We're finished unless we can make it to my village!"

"Try and get to the chariot. I have an idea," he called back. Kit, who watched from above on a ledge, gaped when he ran straight back to the Skopio. 'What does that crazy former Great Spirit think he's doing?' she wondered.

The Skopio tried to crush him with its foot, but Mata Nui dodged it. When the creature lifted its leg, he quickly grabbed hold of one of the claws, letting it carry him high enough to land on its back. The Skopio looked around itself; where did that golden nuisance go? Mata Nui, meanwhile, took hold of the launcher's controls and targeted the congregation of Bone Hunters harassing Ackar and Kiina. Pulling the trigger, he fired, surprising the Skopio, as well as the Hunters. Another shot made them scatter, and the Glatorian took their chance to get to the chariot. Kiina stepped on the throttle and sped off, more Bone Hunters in pursuit. The Skopio knocked Mata Nui off, using its leg, sending him flying to the ledge where Kit waited. "I guess he doesn't like backseat drivers," she commented. Mata Nui took his sword, now glowing with power, and stabbed it into the rock. A great fissure formed, practically splitting it and taking about half of the mountainside with it. The two ran for the brink, Mata Nui grabbing hold of Kit as he took a mighty leap over the span of the chasm. They disappeared amongst the rocks.

Kiina, meanwhile, drove the chariot towards the Skopio, which was now aware that it was about to be buried in an avalanche. Heavy boulders already landed on its back, making its legs buckle. Kiina saw the gap underneath the beast was closing. "Going to be close!" she shouted, racing the vehicle straight through. The chariot, however, was not built for such a rough ride; the frame violently shook, causing bolts to snap and fly off. Thankfully it held on and the two Glatorian cleared the landslide at the last possible moment. The Bone Hunters, though, weren't able to clear it in time, winding up buried under tons of rock and Skopio.

Once the dust cleared, Kiina and Ackar let out relieved sighs. But then, Kiina realized they were short two people, "Where are-?"

"There!" Ackar pointed.

Mata Nui was holding Kit in one arm and surfing down the cliffside on his shield with the ease of an expert. Ackar and Kiina laughed at the sight; those two were just full of surprises. At the last outcropping, Mata Nui leaped high, making the shield spin, and both he and the girl landed lithely on the chariot.

"Gutsiest move I've ever seen," Ackar chuckled.

"Yes! Those Bone Hunters are going to be eating Skopio belly for weeks," Kiina cheered. "Not bad, otherworlders." Mata Nui and Kit grinned in response.

"Kiina!" Ackar said, his smile gone. Kiina and the others looked ahead.

There were a few columns of black smoke. "No!" she cried in disbelief.

"Is that . . .?" asked Mata Nui.

"Tajun. It's Kiina's village," Ackar answered, his expression grave.

Kit offered the female Glatorian a sympathetic look.