Bionicle Mara's Story
Chapter 7
Several months since Spheres Magna's rebirth a city was being built not far from the Bota Jungle. A new home for the Agori and Matoran, Toa and Glatorian and countless others. Artakha had decided to built his own city near the Great sea, his Matoran and the Nynrah Ghosts had went with him. The Great Beings had resettled in their fortress away from the others not wanting to interfere in the various beings new lives. Several others had settled in various villages around the city and Bota Jungle, it was because of these villages that Mara was standing on a hill watching groups of Glatorian and Toa heading in different directions. There had been a number of attacks on the outlying villages by Bone Hunters, Skrall and Skakdi were also a problem for travelers and caravans. Teams of Toa and Glatorian had been assigned for patrol of the roads.
She watched one group in particular. "Gali," she asked the blue armored figured besides her. "Do you miss going on missions?"
Gali considered the question for a moment. "Yes, I worry about my brothers going without me but I know I have responsibilities here." A council had been set up with Gali being chosen by the Toa to represent them. Raanu represented the Agori with Macka for the Matoran. Vastus was chosen by the Glatorian. The Turaga of Metru Nui and Helryx were also on the council.
"So do I," Mara said with a huff. "Everyone's been treating me like I'll break at the next moment. Yesterday I was near the practice arena and Ackar threaten to lock me in my room if I didn't rest." She sighed, "I just wish everyone would stop worrying about me."
Gali smiled, "They have good reasons."
Mara smiled as she ran a hand over her belly. Even dressed in a dark robe it was easy to tell she was near her due date. Matoran and Toa had watched in fascination and amazement as over the months her belly had gotten bigger and bigger. Mara put her attention back to the figures who were almost out of sight. "Do you think they'll be alright?"
Gali's smile widen, she knew why Mara had been around the arena. "I'm sure Takanuva will be fine. He's with Gresh and my brothers."
Mara blushed, suddenly she winched. "Are you okay?" Gali asked concerned.
"Yes." suddenly she doubled over in pain.
"Mara!"
Mara gasped, "I think the baby's coming!"
Gali held her steady as she looked around for help. Spotting Vastus and Raanu she called to them.
Turning to her they made their way over, "Gali what's wrong?" Vastus asked, he stopped when he saw Mara. "Is she. . ."
"But its three weeks early," Raanu cried.
Vastus picked Mara up and ran towards the city. "We need to get help, come on!"
The group ran through the city until they reach a healing center. Saress looked up surprised as Vastus ran in with Mara in his arms followed by Gali and Raanu. One look told her everything she needed to know. "Put her down here," Saress pointed to a bed and Vastus put her on it. After Mara was settled the healer turned to the three, "Gali I'm going to need your help. Vastus keep everyone back," curious Matoran and Agori were gathering outside the center. "Raanu," Saress turned to the fire Agori.
"Yes!" Raanu was near panic. "What do you want me to do? I'm ready? What should I do?"
"Raanu!" she put a hand on his shoulder. "I want you to sit down and take several long deep breaths."
Raanu stared at her shocked but nodded. She was right it wasn't going to help Mara if he just panicked, he thought about that as he left the center. Vakama walked up to him, "I have a message for the east village." he held up a scroll.
Raanu took it and turned to the assembled crowed. "Tarduk." the jungle Agori turned to Raanu and the Turaga. "You need to take this to the east village."
"Alright," Tarduk snatched the scroll from Raanu's hand and ran off before more could be said.
"WAIT!" Raanu shouted, "It's too dangerous to go alone." But Tarduk was already gone.
(Break)
As Tarduk ran through the forest he couldn't help but smile. So much had happen in the past few months, and now Mara was going to have her baby. He then spotted something ahead. Gresh and several Toa.
Takanuva found it hard to keep alert, all his thoughts were on Mara. By the Great Beings he was worried about her.
"Hey!" Tarduk shouted running towards them. The group turned to him, he couldn't wait to tell them the good news. Then he noticed they weren't looking at him but at something behind him. Even as Gresh shouted a warning he heard the noise and jumped to the left rolling across the grass as the blade slice air where he had been moments before.
A blast of wind from Gresh's blade knocked the Bone Hunter off his mount.
More Bone Hunters emerged from the trees, "Form a circle!" Tahu called.
With Tarduk in the middle the group put up a defense. A fire blast from Tahu cause several Rock Steeds to flee in panic throwing their riders. One rode at Onua who knock both rider and mount to the ground with one swat while Kopaka froze another who got to close. The element powers were to much and the remaining Bone Hunters fled. After several tense moments the group relaxed. "You think they'll come back," Pohatu asked glancing around.
"No I think they had enough for now." Tahu answered, "But keep your guard up."
Gresh turned to Tarduk. "What are you doing out here?"
"Oh I was delivering a message but I had to give you the good news."
"What?" Gresh asked.
"Mara's going to have her baby."
"WHAT!" Everyone turned to Takanuva stunned at his outburst.
"She went into labor after you left," Tarduk said a little fearful.
"I need to get back!" Takanuva declared. He tried to run off but Tahu and Kopaka restrained him.
"Think!" Kopaka snapped, "Those Bone Hunters are still out there."
"But I need to be there," Takanuva insisted. "I need to get back."
"I can quick-fly him back," Lewa offered.
"Thanks Lewa," Takanuva turned to Tahu. "I need to do this."
Tahu put a hand on the Toa of light's shoulder. "I know, just be careful. Will get Tarduk to the village and return when its light."
As the group walked away Gresh looked back, "Tell her I'll be there soon."
Takanuva nodded then grabbed Lewa's hand as the Toa Nuva of air took to the sky. As they flew towards New Atero all of Takanuva's thoughts were on Mara. Thought's of their kiss especially came to mind. With the building of New Atero, Mara's pregnancy and millions of other things that had came up the two hadn't been able to spend much time together.
"I think-know we need light but I rather not be a seeable-clear target," Lewa had to look away from the light.
Takanuva realized with a start his mask was glowing intensely. "Sorry. A little distracted."
Lewa smiled, "I think-know why. And not to worry were here," he announced as the city came into view.
When they landed the two saw that a crowed had already gathered. Takanuva made his way through when he spotted Gali leaving the Healer Center. "Gali!" he made his way towards her, "Gali is Mara okay?"
Seeing his concerned look she smiled. "Don't worry their fine."
He was stunned, "Then she's had the child?"
"Go see," Gali said pointing to the Center.
As Takanuva went in he saw Mara lying on a bed with a bundle in her arms, Raanu and Saress were standing on either side of her. They looked up as he entered and her eyes went wide, "Takanuva!" Mara exclaimed with a smile. "You came."
"Of course I did," he walked to the edge of the bed, Saress and Raanu left to let them be alone. He looked at the bundle in her arms. "The child is it. . ."
She smiled, "it's a boy."
"A boy," he exclaimed. "That's good."
"And a girl."
"What. . . A girl?' seeing his confused look Mara laughed. He walked to her side and saw she was actually holding two bundles, two small faces peeked out from under the blankets. "Twins!" He was shocked.
She laughed again, "I know, it was a surprise."
"What will you call them?"
"The boy I'm going to call Lokan. And the girl I'm going to name Lyra Nui in honor of Mata Nui. Lyra's an old word meaning hopeful."
Takanuva nodded, "Hopeful Spirit. A beautiful name, I'm sure he would be honored."
Takanuva sat next to Mara and she turned to him. "Do you want to hold one?"
"I don't think that's a good idea. . ." But Mara had already placed Lyra in his arms. He held the girl a little unsure, then Lyra who had been asleep opened her eyes and gazed at him curiously. Takanuva gasped, her eyes were a startling shade of purple, like the color the sky turned when the sun set. Lokan opened his eyes and Takanuva saw he had dark purple eyes as well. "Amazing," he said with a smile as Mara laid her head on his shoulder, she was soon asleep.
Outside many voices were talking at once, "Did you hear."
"She had twins."
"I can't believe it." Cheers went up from the crowd.
(Break)
Two days later a group surrounded Mara and her children. Saress had insisted on only a few visitors until Mara had rested, now everyone wanted to see the new arrivals.
"Their so cute," Macku exclaimed in delight.
"Yeah, and their so . . . little," Pohatu added.
"Well what did you expect, a full grown warrior," Kiina snapped.
"No! Well I. . ." Pohatu blushed as everyone laughed, even Kopaka couldn't help but smile.
"Do you want to hold Lokan?" Mara asked the embarrassed Toa.
"I don't think that's a good idea. . ." But Mara placed the baby in his arms.
"Just hold him firmly and support his head," Mara advised.
Ackar who held Lyra watched, "It's not that hard," he assured the Toa of stone though he was a little unsure himself.
"Oh don't worry Ackar," Kiina said, "I think you'll make a great father some day." Ackar stared at her shocked causing Kiina to blush and look away.
Mara couldn't help but laugh, everyone joined her in the laugh. She finally felt at peace. Raanu and Turaga Dume walked up to them, a crowed was gathering for a special ceremony. Ackar handed Lyra to Dume and Pohatu gave Lokan to Raanu. Raanu took the child with ease but Dume was more hesitant, like others from the Matoran Universe he wasn't use to children and was nervous holding the infant. But when Lyra tugged at his mask and giggled his heartlight melted and he couldn't help but smile.
They turned to the crowed, "Today we welcome two new additions to our city and our world," Raanu called.
Dume continued, "Welcome Lokan and Lyra Nui the first children born on Spheres Magna in ten thousand years."
Cheers went up from the crowed, Raanu continued, "Let us welcome them as we work for a bright and hope filled future." Everyone cried out in agreement and Mara couldn't help but smile.
(Break)
Later that day Mara talked with Macku and Hahli, she had become good friends with them over the last few months. Macku was holding Lokan, she couldn't get enough of them. "I can't believe how far we've come in so short a time," Hahli gazed at the active in the city.
"Yes," Mara agreed. "I know there are still some problems but at least everyone's in a good mood today. I hope. . ."
Hahli and Macku looked at her when she went quiet. "Is something wrong," Hahli asked concerned.
"I. . . I felt someone watching me." The feeling had just come over her, a prickling at the back of her neck making her uneasy.
The three looked this way and that but didn't see anything unusual. Unknown to them on a rise overlooking the city a dark shape kneeled at the edge watching the three through a spyglass. He focus on Mara, so she survived he though. He watched as she picked up a basket and retrieved something from the small blue being. Focusing he was startled to see her with babies. As the females walked out of sight he smiled, interesting.
