Watching as a group of wild gukko flew overhead, Macku chuckled at their antics then glanced at Kai. Her friend had also been watching the rahi grinned and slid her paddle back into the water, "So, which branch do we take now?" she enquired, gesturing to where the river split into two.

"That one and you'd better top up your water canisters. After here things will get a little faster." Macku grinned, gesturing to the narrower river before filling her own canisters. Knowing Macku's love of shooting rapids, Kai swiftly filled and stored her canisters as Macku guided their canoe into the river mouth.

As the canoe vanished around a bend in the river a chameleon Rahkshi popped its head out from the bushes and hissed in frustration before jumping into flight mode and headed back to where Breun waited.

Unaware they'd lost their shadow, Macku was pointing out where she'd found several rare herbs for Lakino on occasion, "And in three bends time we'll reach the first lot of rapids." she chuckled as Kai grinned in anticipation, "So do we go in at the deep end or ease into 'em?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Macku giggled, dipping her paddle into the water to straighten the direction the river was carrying them. Kai joined in her friend's merriment and watched eagerly for the first signs of the rapids.

Several cliff-dwelling rahi peered from their roosts as laughter and squeals rose in the canyon as the matorans' canoe swept along the river and bumped over the rapids. "Wooooo hoooooo, this is great. I can see why you like going to visit Hewkii."

"And the trip back is just as fun." Macku chuckled, "A slow meandering tributary that rejoins the lake. Hewkii likes it better." she added as they rounded a bend and the last set of rapids came into sight.

Kai's knowing chuckle was drowned by the rapids as Macku's mask darkened as she blushed, splashing her friend before both focused on the foaming waters ahead of them.

As the pair manoeuvred through the frothing, churning waves, the Ga-matoran grinned in exhilaration, gasping occasionally when a wave splashed over the bow of their canoe, drenching them. Squealing in delight as they reached the last part of the rapids, Kai yelped in surprise as the canoe bumped over a small waterfall and the current slowed down.

To Kai's surprise, Turaga Onewa, Toa Pohatu and Hewkii were waiting for them, the matoran holding several towels as he grinned at the pair and Macku tied their canoe up.

"We could hear your laughter echoing down the canyon." Onewa chuckled as Kai and Macku finished towelling the excess water off and slung the damp towels around their necks then followed their friends towards Po-koro. Listening to Hewkii tease Macku about her wild journey, Kai's thoughts turned to her mysterious suitor. Noticing her distraction, Turaga Onewa shared an amused glance with Pohatu then linked his arm with Kai's, guiding her towards Olcas's.

"Breun you'd better hide or something. Macku and Kai are heading this way!" Pekka gasped as he burst into Olcas's workshop causing him and Breun to jump and stare at the tawny matoran. "Quick, out the back and head for my home. We'll add the final touches to your gift once Kai and Macku have departed." Olcas said, as he swiftly packaged up the cuff and passed it to Pekka as he joined their worried friend. "See ya later." Pekka grinned before he and Breun dashed off.

Several minutes later, the Ga-matoran strolled in with Hewkii and Turaga Onewa, whom gave Olcas a knowing glance before leaving the group alone. Moments later he was amused to see Hewkii being shoved out by his closefriend, "Aw Macku, c'mon." the carver turned to badger his closefriend only to find himself talking to the door. Muffled laughter came back as his answer, "Looks like your closefriend has a surprise for you." Turaga Onewa called over to the bemused carver, "So why not walk with me and see if inspiration strikes for your gift?"

Peering back, Breun managed to catch a glimpse of Kai before following Pekka through the back alleys towards the tawny matoran's home, "My studio might not be as fancy as Olcas's. But you can try your hand at a spot of carving if you like."

"Sounds good, you don't mind if I wait until we get back to Olcas's before I finish this?" Breun asked as they reached Pekka's. "No problem at all." Pekka grinned before shooing his guest through to his studio.

xXx

A week before the end of fishing season party, Teridax was bemused when he found Gali and Kai conversing in what his closefriend had nicknamed the gathering room. Glancing up, Gali smiled, "There's going to be a three koro kolhii match in three days time to celebrate the completion of the kolhii ground."

"Toa Gali's planning on asking you to join her for it." Kai added, grinning broadly as her friend blushed as she lightly swatted the cheeky Ga-matoran. Teridax chuckled, "I'd be honoured to, my dear." he replied moving to sit beside the pair, draping an arm over Gali's shoulders.