"Who are you and where?" came the voice of Turaga Anuenue's shadow twin as she appeared between Malie and Tein'a's, having caught the last part of the hidden being's sentence.
"Over here." the hidden being said, as movement came from what looked like a pile of rocks, "Makuta!" several shocked voices exclaimed when he'd fully stood up, then as hands tightened on weapons, Turaga Anuenue's shadow twin stepped closer and stared curiously up at him.
"What's happened to your mask and how long have you been here?" she asked, gesturing for to the shadow twin Toa to put their weapons away.
A low sigh came from the mask-less Makuta then he sat down, indicating that they could do likewise, then as the shadow twins warily followed Turaga Anuenue's example, he began speaking.
"Long before my kind turned to evil, we kept watch over various things and until the Makuta of Metru Nui went bad, most were content with our duties even though those living on the islands knew nothing of us and praised the Great Spirit Mata Nui.
Even then I was carving down the prophecies that flowed through me, I've sensed so many come to pass, even the one concerning your real self." he said, glancing over to where Takanuva's sat, his arm around his closefriend's shoulders.
"I did read somewhere that those of the Makuta whom did not join forces with the one you know as Makuta were killed by those who did. So what was your choice?" the rainbow hued shadow twin of Turaga Anuenue asked while the others murmured amongst themselves and Takanuva's blushed as Amaya's teased him.
"Though I too did not like being ignored by those, whose island home I watched over, I respected their choice and refused to join those who'd turned to evil. But when I was dragged before him who you know as Makuta, he said I was of more value alive. I then realized that he planned to use the prophecies I carved against the Great Spirit."
The mask-less Makuta then gave an unexpected chuckle, "But the prophecies don't work like that. He could, and did, read them numerous times but never fully grasped their meaning."
Falling silent, the Makuta then stood up and headed over to a blank section of wall, scooping up a hammer and chisel as he went and began to swiftly carve.
"I wonder just how many prophecies are here?" Tahu's shadow twin mused while the group watched the Makuta as he worked, oblivious to them.
"Look." Tein'a's whispered, pointing to an area covered in carvings, as they watched, three groups glowed brightly then vanished leaving the area where they'd been smooth.
"What does it mean?" Kopaka's wondered, glancing curiously at Anuenue's as she gazed at her colour-staff, showing all the signs of her real self being in the midst of a vision.
"It means that those prophecies have been fulfilled." the mask-less Makuta explained as he sat back where he'd been before and glanced intrigued at the rainbow hued Turaga's shadow twin with a hint of curiosity before observing his long awaited guests.
"I should tell you my name before continuing my story." he added when Anuenue's shadow twin stretched and glanced up at him.
"That would help." she quietly said, meeting the mask-less Makuta's ruby hued gaze.
For several moments they just looked at each other then he smiled, "My name is Roimh-Aithne, it means foreknowledge in an old tongue still used on some distant islands."
"So what occur-happened to your mask?" Lewa's shadow twin asked curiously, drawing an amused smile from Turaga Anuenue's and chuckles from everyone else, which faded as Roimh-Aithne smiled then rubbed his face, eyes glowing with remembered sadness.
"In an attempt to get me to join them, those who'd joined forces with Makuta forcibly removed my mask from me and when I still refused to join willingly, took great delight in reducing my mask to fragments. It took a lot of will power to stop my essence dissipating." closing his eyes, Roimh-Aithne relived that day and sighed then jumped as someone gently patted his arm.
"I believe this is yours." a musical voice broke the silence and the Makuta's eyes shot open to find that the shadow twins had been joined by a dusky figure radiating power.
Startled, he scrambled back to where he'd been hidden when the shadow twins had arrived, all the while trying to avoid the dusky Great Spirit's gaze.
"We should go and let my real self know what we found. And Rhya Nui said in my vision that she had to speak with him alone." Anuenue's whispered as the dusky Great Spirit placed the mask she held down and moved closer to where Roimh-Aithne seemed to be trying to dig himself into the ground.
The last thing the shadow twins saw before they departed the cavern was Rhya sitting close to where the Makuta was and the sound of her voice filling the cavern with song.
xXx
Pausing in their home realm, the shadow twins paused and discussed who should go and speak with their real selves.
"Well I'm gonna sit stay with featherheart." Lewa's stated, just as the hybrid's shadow twin opened her eyes and reached out to him.
"And as you've all been active for a while, I think you should all rest while I go talk with our real selves." Anuenue's stated firmly, having noticed Onua's trying to stifle a yawn.
The Toa glanced guiltily at each other then Kopaka's nodded, "That's true we could do with a rest."
"I shouldn't be long." the rainbow hued shadow twin chuckled, watching as they settled down and Lewa's hugged Kokua's
As the Turaga's shadow twin departed, the Toa Nuva of Air's murmured in amazement as the Torahka's repeated what her real self had revealed earlier.
xXx
Lewa glanced up as a flicker caught his eye then smiled at Anuenue's shadow twin as she joined him and peered at the dreaming hybrid.
"It's good to know she's woken. Where's my real self? I've something to speak with her about."
"Anuenue and Aikane went to sit in the garden shadow-sis." the lanky green Toa replied, smiling happily at the rainbow hued shadow twin.
"Thanks, your shadow twin was overjoyed when Kokua's appeared." Anuenue's chuckled before leaving the pair in peace.
Finding her real self and the Toa of Twilight leaning against a tree, the Turaga's shadow twin sat facing them and began to tell them what the others and herself had discovered while the suns began to lower in the sky.
...
A yawn roused Lewa and he flushed as he realized that he'd nodded off and his head was resting on the bed.
"You looked comfortable." Kokua whispered, smiling as her closefriend blushed while sitting up, "I certainly wasn't going to disturb you." Slàna chuckled while she offered Kokua more of the strength building draught.
"You would have liked my dream." the hybrid said when she'd drunk her fill, then explained as Lewa looked intrigued, "We were flying in a clear blue sky which went on forever, while thick white clouds floated below us. It was perfect and there was just the two of us flying together."
"That does sound wonderful." Slàna murmured before leaving the closefriends in peace as they gazed into each others eyes, and peered outside to see what Turaga Anuenue and Aikane were doing.
"Another Makuta? That's shocking, I thought 'he' was the only one." Aikane said, leaning back against the tree and glancing at her rainbow hued sister.
The Turaga of Colour looked thoughtful as she absently hummed under her breath, "No, there were a lot at one time." she replied after a few minutes had passed and her shadow twin had gone to rest.
"I have to admit I'd like to meet Roimh-Aithne. He sounds interesting." Aikane said quietly, drawing agreement from Anuenue, whom then snickered, "Can you see the look on our brothers and sisters faces if we told them that?"
"Oh spirits, they'd think we'd gone mad!" the violet hued Toa laughed as they got up and headed inside to get their supper and see how Kokua and Lewa were.
xXx
In the cavern, Rhya Nui finished singing and while she waited for Roimh-Aithne to collect himself, picked up the mask and watched as occasionally a prophecy vanished.
"I am unworthy of this honour, Great Spirit." the bronze/black Makuta whispered, after he'd wiped his face dry then glanced nervously over at Rhya as she smiled back serenely, her eyes glowing softly.
"It's way past time you were freed from here and you have proven yourself worthy." came the reply as the dusky Great Spirit held out the mask to Roimh-Aithne.
With trembling hands, he reached out to accept the bronze/black mask then slowly raised it to his face, his eyes grew damp with unshed tears as he put the Kanohi Fàisnich on.
"Now, let us leave this place. The prophecies will be safe and there is a place for you to carve the ones still to come." Rhya Nui said while standing up and extending a hand to Roimh-Aithne.
Slowly standing up, still wondering if this was a dream, the bronze/black Makuta reached out to take the dusky Great Spirit's proffered hand, then as their palms touched, a glow surrounded them and they vanished from the sealed cavern.
xXx
While quietly eating supper, Anuenue smiled and nudged Aikane before gesturing to where Lewa was delicately feeding his closefriend, the pair oblivious to those watching.
"That is so sweet. Wonder if I can persuade Tahu to try it sometime." the violet hued Toa silently remarked, laughter dancing in her eyes as she glanced back at their brother and sister.
Hearing a badly stifled snort of laughter coming from the direction of their rainbow hued sister, Lewa and Kokua paused and glanced over to where the Turaga sat grinning.
"Want to share-pass on the joke?" the lanky green Toa asked before glancing around to see if his closefriend wanted any more to eat.
"Just something Aikane wondered." Anuenue chuckled before nudging her blushing sister gently in the ribs, "Er, yeah. Say, Kokua, when are you gonna unwrap the gift from Keli and Nane?" Aikane quickly changed the subject, her cheeks glowing crimson.
Smiling at those sitting around the bedroom, the hybrid giggled softly then carefully lifted the gift up and began undoing the string, wondering what her little friends had brought her.
"Oh spirits. It's so delicate-light." Lewa murmured as Kokua folded the wrapping back then lifted up the feather sculpture of herself.
"And so lifelike too." the Torahka replied, blinking back unexpected tears of joy, "How did they get your eye colour so accurate?" Aikane murmured, shifting closer for a better look at the small green stone eyes and painted features while Turaga Anuenue watched her brother and sisters and thought about the day's events.
...
It was late when she and Aikane left her bedroom after moving the spare bed alongside Kokua's and bidding her and Lewa pleasant dreams, getting a mumbled reply from the drowsy Torahka and smiling at Lewa as he shooed them out the room.
"I'm certain Lewa will insist on that sculpture being placed safely somewhere everyone can see it." Aikane yawned, glancing over to where Anuenue had settled on the bed nearest the window.
"Mmm, maybe but I think Kokua will have her own ideas of what to do with it."
Not long after, those in the Turaga of Colour's home were sound asleep, Lewa and Kokua's hands clasped tightly as though they never meant to let go.
xXx
On a distant island, three figures were watching the moons rising then two bowed to the dusky Great Spirit and watched as she departed.
Turning to Roimh-Aithne, the willowy prussian blue Toa followed his gaze back out to the scenery, "It's been so long." he eventually whispered, glancing round at the patiently waiting Toa.
"Rhya Nui said you'd need some time to adjust, so if you would like to follow me. I'll show you to your quarters." she calmly replied, peering up at the only Makuta destined to set foot on Daxia and join the fight against the Brotherhood of Makuta.
"Thank you, er Toa...?" he said, suddenly realizing that in his joy of seeing the sky again that he'd missed her name.
"Cuilc." came the reply along with a quiet chuckle as they started down a corridor, then she pushed open a door and watched as the bronze/black Makuta entered the room and looked around.
The first thing that caught Roimh-Aithne's attention was the view, then when he'd finished looking at the scenery he peered around the main room.
It was sparsely furnished, with a large mattress resting against two walls, one end sporting several pillows, a couch and table were nearby and there was a door leading through to a cavern.
"Is it to your liking?" Cuilc asked curiously after watching the Makuta as he tried the couch, which creaked ominously, then hastily settled on the floor and lent against it.
Roimh-Aithne was about to reply, when they heard a voice calling the Water Toa's name, "Is he in here and have you finished guide-showing him around?"
"Yes and not yet." she replied, then as the speaker peered around the door, Roimh-Aithne felt a familiar feeling come over him so scooped up the hammer and chisel resting on the table and headed through to the cavern.
"Looks like the tour will have to hold-wait." Doinnean commented as he and Cuilc listened to the steady tapping now coming from the cavern.
"Indeed, I'll leave directions on where the dining hall is and we can check on him later." the prussian blue Toa added before soaking her dark green friend when he remarked about how taken she seemed with the new recruit.
"You know the rules brother. No closefriends, what we do is far too risky to even contemplate having one." Cuilc tartly replied as they joined the few other members of the Order of Mata Nui currently back on Daxia.
It was approaching midnight when those currently between missions left the dining hall wondering what the new recruit was doing.
When tapping on his door got no response, Cuilc pushed it open, Doinnean and Luthas close behind, their weapons ready just in case.
A low rumbling noise was coming from the cavern as everyone glanced cautiously around the doorway then quietly chuckled and put their weapons away.
Lent against a wall, the hammer and chisel set to one side Roimh-Aithne rested below the last prophecy he'd carved before falling asleep.
"We can't leave him there." Luthas whispered before nodding when Cuilc switched to her Matatu, "I'll need a bit of help." she added glancing pointedly at Doinnean, who was peering curiously at the prophecies.
"Alright-okay, no need to splash-soak me again." the Air Toa muttered before calling a cushion of air to form under the sleeping Makuta and kept it in place until his friends had manoeuvred Roimh-Aithne onto his bed.
"Does he know where the dining hall is?" the copper hued warrior asked while closing the door and settling on a nearby bench.
"I left directions on the table, he'll be ravenous when he wakes." Cuilc yawned, then she and Doinnean headed for their quarters knowing they had to be up early.
Turning over in his sleep, Roimh-Aithne mumbled softly then began to dream.
xXx
"So this is who my shadow twin told us about." a quiet voice roused the bronze/black Makuta and he blinked drowsily while sitting up.
Sitting around him were the Toa and Turaga who's' shadow twins he'd met earlier as well as the winged hybrid, who was lent against her closefriend.
"W-where are we? What is this place? Roimh-Aithne asked puzzled as to why he was now in a meadow when he'd fallen asleep in a cavern.
"This is the flowered meadow. A place where spirits can meet and talk." Rhya Nui's musical voice floated through the air as she appeared beside the Torahka and her closefriend and everyone bowed to her.
Unsure what to do, Roimh-Aithne went back to looking at the vibrant flowers then his attention was caught by several Turaga coming out of the mist.
As they joined the group, the white Turaga moved to sit beside the Turaga of Colour and she lent her head on his shoulder while he hugged her.
Then when everyone settled down, all eyes turned to where Rhya Nui sat, the dusky Great Spirit smiled and began to relate Roimh-Aithne's story.
Much to his surprise, the bronze/black Makuta found himself feeling extremely uncomfortable and renewed his examination of the flowers around him.
Lhikan, Dume and Vakama glanced at each other while the dusky Great spirit continued speaking then stood up and walked over to where Roimh-Aithne sat, now brushing a claw lightly over a small electric blue blossom.
When he realized that all three Turaga of Fire were watching him, the bronze/black Makuta glanced curiously at them. "Oh!" came a startled yelp, which drew a delighted peal of laughter from Rhya Nui, as Matau managed to loop the garland around Roimh-Aithne's neck then plonked himself between Dume and Vakama, the latter nudging the grinning Turaga of Air in his ribs.
"I'm honoured to meet you at last." he said after several moments had passed, just as Matau crept up behind him, a mischievous gleam in his eyes and a large garland in his hands.
As the laughter spread around the group, Roimh-Aithne couldn't help but join in then, wiping tears of laughter from his mask stood up and bowed to the dusky Great Spirit, whom smiled broadly.
"You'd better sit down, some little friends of mine wish to examine you." she commented, beckoning the Makuta to come and sit beside her, Kokua and Lewa.
Puzzlement crossed Roimh-Aithne's mask as he moved to settle where Rhya had indicated then glanced around as a soft fluttering noise became audible.
Everyone watched as the rainbow hued flock of butterflies reached Rhya Nui and swept around her head before they landed on the stunned Makuta.
"He looks stunned." Nuju whispered to his closefriend before standing up to go and speak with Kopaka, "Yes after all that time alone it'll all seem like a dream to him." the rainbow hued Turaga replied as she walked beside him.
"More like a dream within a dream." Nokama added joining her sister and brother, "Well put." Anuenue grinned as they settled beside Kopaka and Gali.
"I can imagine the expression on his mask when he wakes and finds himself still wearing that garland." the Water Toa chuckled, hugging her blue hued 'elder' sister.
When the spirits of those still living began to settle down on the grass and fall asleep, the Turaga of Colour tried to stay awake and stifled a yawn as she nestled closer to Nuju, who smiled and hugged her tightly.
"My beloved." Anuenue whispered as she to finally succumbed to sleep, her arms slipping from around her closefriend's shoulders.
As Rhya Nui, Roimh-Aithne and the spirit Turaga watched the other spirits vanished returning to their bodies, then the Turaga stood and bowed to the dusky Great Spirit before returning to the spirit realm.
"Is that how it happens when we visit this realm?" Roimh-Aithne enquired, still unable to move as the butterflies continued their examination of him, feet tickling as they moved around. When his spirit had returned to his body, Rhya gazed thoughtfully at the small electric blue flower, which had caught Roimh-Aithne's attention earlier, then glanced up as Mata Nui settled beside her.
"Yes." Rhya said while holding her hand out and calling some of the butterflies over to her, as they settled on her shoulders, she chuckled softly when Roimh-Aithne yawned deeply.
"Seems like I should get comfortable." the bronze/black Makuta mumbled as another yawn escaped him and he began to settle back causing the butterflies to flutter up around him. "It's so nice he..." Roimh-Aithne mumbled, curling on his side and falling asleep mid sentence while the butterflies landed on him again, their wings glowing brightly.
"How are you feeling brother?" the dusky Great Spirit softly asked watching him anxiously.
"I seem to be losing strength slowly. But cannot seem to locate the reason why or what's causing it." came the weary reply, as Mata Nui settled more comfortably on the grass.
"Let me help." Rhya murmured, shifting to kneel beside her brother as he rested on his elbows, eyes closed while trying to locate the source of the drain on his energy.
While the butterfly flock hovered around the two Great Spirits, Rhya Nui rested her hands on her brother's shoulders and shared her energy with him.
xXx
As she woke, the Turaga of Colour smiled sadly when she found her arms wrapped tightly around a pillow then sat up and glanced over to where Aikane rested. Sitting cross-legged, the Toa of Twilight was meditating her hands resting lightly on her knees.
Silently Anuenue set the pillow down then slipped from the room and went to see if either Lewa or Kokua were awake.
"Hist, colour-sis want some help-aid?" Sheranu asked when he stuck his head through the open kitchen window.
"That would be nice. I was just thinking about the shared dream." came Anuenue's reply before she chuckled as Speur's head loomed over his malachite hued friend's.
"Try not to squash too many plants big guy." a low rumble came from the phase-dragon as he peered into the kitchen at the rainbow hued Turaga before launching into the sky.
"How's Kokua?" Sheranu asked while passing Anuenue some of the fruit Ferinus had brought back form Eques and encouraged to grow in the greenhouses of Le-metru.
"She's slowly getting stronger but still has a long way to go." came the reply as she cut the fruit into quarters and placed it in five bowls before going over to the cool room and choosing something to drink.
"Neat, ice-cold maha milk, my fav." Sheranu's comment made Anuenue laugh as she went and fetched a second jug, "And Kokua's too. Now could you take this tray through to my bedroom? And I'll bring the rest."
"Yes no trouble-problem." the lanky malachite Toa grinned, scooping up the tray as he replied and waited for the Turaga of Colour to pick the second one up and start back to her bedroom.
Something was tickling Lewa's mask, causing him to try and brush it away, then a soft giggle roused the drowsy Toa further and he opened his eyes.
Gazing at her closefriend, Kokua gently brushed a wing tip against his mask again, smiling as he focused on her.
"'lo handsome, want to help me sit up?" Kokua asked, ignoring their friends as they entered the bedroom and went to place the trays down.
Before Sheranu could make a smart-alec comment, Anuenue insisted that he went and informed Aikane that breakfast was ready then watched as Lewa carefully helped his closefriend to sit up while using his Matatu to shift the pillows for support.
"This'll put some colour back in your cheeks, feather-sis." the rainbow hued Turaga said when Kokua was comfortable, then placed a folding tray over her lap before setting a full bowl and beaker of milk on it.
"Thanks sis, it looks tasty." the hybrid replied giggling as Anuenue began tugging at Lewa's arm while insisting he ate with her, Aikane and Sheranu.
"It's nice." came a muffled comment from the Torahka after several minutes had passed to the sounds of quiet munching.
"Mmm...want some more?" Aikane enquired swallowing her last mouthful. "Please, I feel ravenous." Kokua said, surreptitiously eyeing up her closefriend's nearly empty bowl.
"Making up for lost time." Anuenue grinned, before moving to fill everyone's beakers with more milk, "This along with the strength building draught will help you a lot." she added, refilling Kokua's beaker.
As they continued eating, those in the other metru were also having breakfast and discussing their shared dream. Meanwhile on a distant island, the being they talked about was slowly waking up.
"So when can I get up?" Kokua asked when she finished eating and glanced around at her sisters and closefriend.
"We'll have to see what the healers say." Aikane replied before Turaga Anuenue could reply, while Lewa's expression switched from calm to mild panic.
"If you want anything at all, I'll get-fetch it for you." he said, clasping Kokua's hand tightly, this comment caused a smile to cross the rainbow hued Turaga's mask and she nodded to Aikane before leaving the bedroom.
While crossing the main square, Anuenue dodged being knocked over by Wotzit and Rei then headed in the direction of Lakino's workshop.
"Hey sis, wait up." Solisha called when she spotted Anuenue passing her home, then when the Turaga paused and glanced around, hurried outside to join her.
"Malie asked me to stay and find out how Kokua was while he went over to Le-metru to bug Shenu." the peacock hued Toa explained as they walked together.
"It'll be a quick trip then, Shenu flew over with Speur earlier and is in mine." the Turaga commented before laughing as Rei came tearing past, a rope toy trailing from her mouth and Wotzit close behind.
Glancing up as the Turaga and Toa's laughter floated in through the window, Lakino chuckled then set down her notebook and went to greet those outside.
"Come and sit in the garden before those crazy rahi come racing back." the sky blue healer said, as distant barking began growing closer again.
While they settled around a table, Lakino was about to say that she should offer some refreshment when Turaga Anuenue tugged her down onto the nearest empty chair.
"How long will it be before Kokua will be allowed to get up?" the rainbow hued Turaga asked while leaning back in the chair and absently switching to her Matatu as she pushed it back to rest on two legs, "Be careful Turaga." Lakino muttered absently as she gazed thoughtfully at her herb garden.
Solisha peered curiously under the table at what Anuenue was doing, then tried it for herself, "Whoa! It's not easy." she gasped then giggled as Anuenue and Lakino laughed, "It takes practice and having a Kanohi Matatu helps a lot."
"That's true and as for Kokua getting up. I'll come with you and speak with her and Lewa."