Next morning, the Toa joined the matoran and Rahaga by the remains of the fire for breakfast and cast curious glances over to the tent used by the Turaga. Quiet voices came from inside and showed no sign of joining them soon. Once those around the dead fire had finished eating, they decided to assist the matoran until the Turaga had finished whatever they were discussing and tell them.
As mid-morning approached, Whenua opened the tent flap and fastened it before eagerly heading for the remaining food and drink left in the shade, narrowly beating Matau's attempt to race him there. Their brothers and sisters joined them, Iruini chuckling at the green hued Turaga's antics before accepting his share of the food.
Having noticed that the Turaga had left the tent, the Toa finished off hauling the larger blocks into place then headed over to join them. Sitting beside them, they waited for them to collect their thoughts, but before they could begin, Kopaka glanced to the north then reached out to tap Tahu's arm. "Tahu, is that meant to be there?"
Glancing sharply in the direction his icy brother had indicated, Tahu switched to his Akaku before scrambling to his feet, "There's smoke over part of Ta-metru."
"We'd better make sure the matoran are safe." Pohatu commented as the other Toa scrambled up looking anxious, "Anuenue, you stay..."
"No Tahu, Anuenue needs to join you." Turaga Vakama broke into what Tahu was saying, leaning heavily on is staff as his mind cleared from the vision he'd just had, glancing at the rainbow hued Toa as she blinked in surprise. Nodding his agreement, Tahu watched as Pohatu joined their younger sister and activated his Kakama.
Upon reaching the edge of Ta-metru, the Toa met the anxious matoran, who glanced up at the spreading smoke, "It's got thicker and we're concerned about Aodhan. He went looking for Pewku and is still to rejoin us." Nuhrii said when Tahu asked if everyone was there. "We'll find him, in the meantime you're to head for Ga-metru." the fiery Toa replied then watched as their friends headed quickly back the way the Toa had arrived.
When they were certain the matoran were safe, Tahu nodded on seeing that Kopaka had begun scanning the area that Kapura had pointed out as the direction Aodhan had taken not half an hour earlier. Before anyone else could follow their icy brother's actions, he growled softly, "Found him and Pewku, they've taken refuge in a cupboard in a forge surrounded by Rahkshi." With Kopaka leading the way, the Toa headed for where Aodhan and Pewku were trapped as the smoke above grew thicker, darkening the sky over Ta-metru.
xXx
Crouching behind a partially rebuilt wall, the Toa took turns watching the prowling Rahkshi, "It's like they're using our friends as bait." Gali muttered, her eyes glowing angrily as she moved back into position beside Kopaka and Onua. "Yeah, but I have a solution." Aikane smiled as she waved her hand and their shadow twins appeared and peered at their surroundings before shifting closer as Aikane began to outline her plan which drew muted agreement from her brothers and sisters. Reaching out to tap fists with their real selves, the shadow twin Toa faded back into the darkness, heading for the area where Tahu had said was the most likely place for them to arrive.
Guurahk was first to notice the slowly approaching shadow twins as they cautiously came into view then paused as though surprised to see the Rahkshi there and began to spread out as though they wanted to take them on even as they backed away from the area around the besieged forge. Hissing easily in anticipation of a fight, the Rahkshi prowled after the shadow twin Toa, leaving the forge unguarded figuring out that the matoran and rahi would still be trapped when they returned.
As soon as the coast was clear, the Toa headed for the forge, ducking inside as they headed for where Kopaka had seen Aodhan and Pewku. Moving back to keep watch for the Rahkshi, Anuenue, Lewa and Pohatu listened as their brothers and sisters eased Pewku from where she was firmly wedged, "Spirits how did you manage it Pewku, this is a really tight squeeze." Tahu muttered as he and Onua managed to free the anxious Ussal crab, who chittered softly allowing Gali to check her over before watching as Aodhan scrambled out and stretched, wincing as his back cramped up. "The healers will no doubt have something for cramp. But for now let's..."
"The Rahkshi have realized they've been tricked, and are returning." Aikane said cutting across her fiery brother's comment and drawing an anxious cheep from Pewku, "Right, Aodhan get on Pewku and head for Ga-metru, we'll draw them away from you." Tahu said while Anuenue gave the matoran a boost before patting Pewku's shell.
Leaving the forge, they could hear the approaching sound of Rahkshi flight, "Go, the shadow twins will guide you." Kopaka said, noticing his waving from the way they'd originally arrived. Needing no further encouragement, matoran and rahi hurried off, vanishing around a corner moments before the Rahkshi reappeared, landed and glared at the waiting Toa.
Snarling filled the air as the Rahkshi launched themselves at the Toa, "Watch out for Tromrahk's staff." Anuenue called out as Kurahk saw her and roared angrily before stalking her. The anger Rahkshi was still shocking pink and as it forced the rainbow hued Toa against a wall, she got the distinct impression it was cursing her as it rained blows down on her, until Lewa reached them and helped his younger sister.
…
The fight seemed to have reached a stalemate when the six original Rahkshi hissed something to the other two before taking several paces back while Tromrahk and the vile purple Rahkshi covered them. "What the...?" Lewa muttered as everyone took the chance to catch their breath and glanced uneasily at each other as the Rahkshi merged to form the Rahkshi Kaita, "No wonder they didn't over use their strength-power." Lewa exclaimed when the Rahkshi Kaita leered at the stunned Toa while the other two radiated smugness. "Brother, join us." Gali said as Tahu nodded to Onua and Pohatu as they moved to stand beside him. Shifting position Aikane, Takanuva and Anuenue made certain the unmerged Rahkshi didn't attempt anything while their brothers and sister merged.
Once the glow behind Takanuva, Aikane and Anuenue had faded, they glanced up at the Toa Kaita as they moved to stand in front of them before turning their attention back to the hissing Rahkshi and Rahkshi Kaita. It was then that the rainbow hued Toa began remembering her dream, before she could tell her brother and sister one of the Rahkshi Kaita, Vo levelled Panrahk's staff at the building behind the trio. Reacting instinctively, Takanuva switched to his Hau, Aikane following suit as the building collapsed on top of the trio.
When the dust settled there was no sign of the three Toa and the Rahkshi Kaita hissed as they charged at the Toa Kaita, preventing them from searching for their comrades. Forced away from the area, Wairuha and Akamai kept a wary eye on the single Rahkshi while they strove to defeat the Rahkshi Kaita. "Spirits protect our sisters and brother." Akamai muttered as he ducked beneath the Rahkshi Kaita Vo's attempt to strike him with Vorahk's staff, as Wairuha dodged the Rahkshi Kaita Za and managed to freeze Tromrahk and Gairtrahk's feet to the ground. The Kaita then paused to catch their breath while half-frozen Rahkshi tried to free themselves, then the Toa Kaita tensed as a cold glow surrounded the two Rahkshi and they seemed to vanish as all the Kaita heard Makuta's sinister laughter.
xXx
Coughing from the dust in the air, Anuenue blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light cast by her brother's mask, while Aikane kept the shield which had prevented them from being crushed. Before they could as how she was, Anuenue blurted, "My dream, I remember it now. The third Toa Kaita, it wore the mask Ahonui gave me."
"I also dreamt of a Toa Kaita I'd never seen before." Takanuva murmured, glancing at Aikane as she nodded, "Me too."
"Then let's do it, our brothers need us." Takanuva grinned, shifting closer to where Anuenue stood, her mask changing to the one from the Great Temple. Certain that the rubble would hold, Aikane switched back to her usual mask and joined her siblings, resting their arms over each other's shoulders their gazes locked as the mask activated, merging them into one. The light surrounding them grew brighter still, forcing the rubble with its strength.
When the red glow faded, it revealed a hulking Kaita standing between the Rahkshi Kaita, it was a combination of the two Rahkshi and Makuta, whom bowed to it before hissing tauntingly at the shocked Toa Kaita. "Mata Nui!" Wairuha whispered as he and Akamai readied to continue fighting, "He won't help you this time, neither can those other fools." Makuta taunted, his cold voice distorted by hissing as he and the Rahkshi Kaita crouched in anticipation of defeating the Toa Kaita. Wairuha and Akamai stood their ground, watching defiantly as they tightened their grip on their weapons.
Suddenly a blaze of light sent the Rahkshi and Makuta/Rahkshi Kaita stumbling back as rubble exploded out from where Takanuva, Aikane and Anuenue had been trapped and as it faded, a slender Toa Kaita stepped clear of the area and moved to join her startled brothers. "I am Toa Kaita Alohi, I walk the path of illumination." she said, a wry smile crossing her mask at the stunned look in their eyes, before turning to watch their adversaries.
Hatred shone in the Makuta/Rahkshi's eyes as it glared at the newly appeared Toa Kaita, "You will not prevent me from fulfilling my destiny." he snarled creating a sphere of darkness and launching it at Alohi. Without missing a beat, she pulled out her staff and span it rapidly, creating a swirling shield of colour that deflected the dark sphere back at one of the Rahkshi Kaita, sending it crashing into a building. As it struggled to get up, the other tried to get past Alohi's prismatic shield while Wairuha and Akamai positioned themselves either side of their sister as angry hissing filled the air.
"Stalemate...or is it." the Makuta/Rahkshi Kaita hissed before chuckling grimly as the red light reappeared hiding him and the Rahkshi Kaita from sight. Wincing at the noises coming from within, the Toa Kaita glanced at each other before readying themselves as the sinister light began to fade to reveal its secret.
Staring down at them was a monstrous Kaita that chuckled before charging at the Toa Kaita., driving them back until it had pinned them against a wall. While defending against a barrage of blows, Wairuha gasped as one caught his leg nearly causing him to stumble into the Rahkshi Kaita Za's path. Pulling her brother back, Alohi healed the gash then blinked at him when he muttered, "Three will become one." before glancing at her and Akamai. "Of course, that's what it means." she murmured as they fended off another barrage of blows from the dark Kaita as it tried to prevent them uniting.
Alohi's prismatic shield flared as the dark Kaita rained blow after blow down on it while the Toa Kaita's eyes locked on each other and the light that heralded Alohi's arrival returned. This time the light grew brighter still until those watching at the edge of Ga-metru could see it.
"Unity brings us together." Akamai spoke, his voice echoing slightly, "Duty compels us to do what's right. No matter how difficult." Wairuha added his voice ringing out as he and his brother shifted closer to Alohi, who smiled serenely as she said, "Destiny guides us as it always will." as the Kanohi Niji fully activated, merging them into one.
Snarls of frustration escaped the dark Kaita as it shielded its eyes from the rainbow hued light that shot into the sky, scattering the smoke above the combatants.
Watching from where they waited, the Turaga exchanged a glance then asked Hahli and Matoro to come with them before heading for the nearest causeway.
Upon reaching the edge of Ta-metru, Vakama paused and turned to the curious matoran, "It's time to let you know more about the vision I had earlier." he said as everyone found somewhere to sit, "The mask Anuenue guards is the key to awaken the one who walks the path of harmony." Pausing as his fellow Turaga murmured curiously and Hahli scrambled for her notebook, the fiery Turaga chuckled at her reaction and winked when she glanced up at him before gesturing to where the rainbow hued beam of light pierced the dark smoke hanging over half the metru.
Shifting position, Hahli got comfortable as she waited for Turaga Vakama to continue then stifled a yawn as her eyes grew heavy. Moments later she was deeply asleep, Onewa smiled before nodding to Vakama who continued speaking while Matoro scooped up Hahli's notebook.
xXx
Hahli's eyes opened and she stared down in shock as Ta-metru moved below her. It was then she realized she was dreaming and looked up to see that she was heading for the area where two huge figures sized each other up. The Ultimate Toa Kaita calmly watched his adversary as the dark Kaita snarled as he crouched before launching a lightening fast attack which his opponent skilfully parried and returned.
Back and forth the Kaita of darkness and light fought until the Ultimate Toa Kaita slipped on some rubble from where Takanuva, Aikane and Anuenue had been trapped and lost his balance. As he tried to regain his balance, the dark Kaita redoubled his efforts, preventing his opponent from getting up, slashing deep wounds into the Ultimate Toa Kaita's back. The rainbow light that surrounded the Ultimate Toa Kaita began dimming as he slumped to the ground. Low bone-chilling laughter rang out from the dark Kaita as he watched the semi-conscious Ultimate Toa Kaita's light dim further and echoed off the remaining buildings around them.
Chewing a knuckle, Hahli suddenly cried out, ""Don't give in Lokahi!" then laughed with relief as the light around the Ultimate Toa Kaita stabilised and began growing bright again as Lokahi opened his eyes and the damage wrought by the dark Kaita healed and vanished as he stood up and turned to face the snarling dark Kaita. Summoning the prismatic shield as the dark Kaita moved to attack again, Lokahi then used the combined powers of the Toa Nuva to drive him back while deflecting his attack with the shield. Hahli suddenly realized that she was screaming encouragement to the Ultimate Toa Kaita at the top of her lungs and cheered as he dodged an attempt by the dark Kaita to force him into another building, which caused the dark Kaita to stumble.
While the dark Kaita slammed head-first into the building with a resounding crash, Lokahi's mask activated and he focused all the Toas' powers into a silvery sphere. As the dark Kaita shook his head to clear it, Lokahi threw the shimmering sphere at him. Scrambling to his feet, the dark Kaita summoned all his power in a vain attempt to deflect it away and stop it from reaching him.
A frustrated scream escaped the dark Kaita as the sphere evaded his attempts as it expanded until it was bigger than the dark Kaita. The scream of anger cut off as the sphere enveloped the dark Kaita and his eyes met Lokahi's as he sent a beam of light composed of Takanuva, Aikane and Anuenue's powers into the sphere making it shrink and solidify around the dark Kaita, forming a protodermis block that stood taller than the remaining buildings.
Lokahi lowered his staff, putting it away as he walked over to the protodermis block. Pausing to look at his opponent, he then placed his hands on the block and called on his Kanohi Kelie. As the power of harmony flowed through Lokahi's hands and into the protodermis block, giving it a multi-coloured appearance.
Several minutes later Lokahi lowered his hands and after one last look at his handiwork turned to leave the rubble-strewn area. Sitting down with an exhausted sigh, he looked up at the steadily clearing sky and smiled at the sight of the spirit stars that twinkled in the twilight. Lying back as his eyes closed, Lokahi whispered, "My duty is done." before falling asleep.
The rainbow glow brightened for several moments before fading to reveal the Toa asleep in the groups they'd used to form the Toa Kaita. Hahli then found she was being drawing back towards the edge of Ta-metru, her eyelids growing heavy as someone gently whispered in her ear, "Well done Chronicler."
Unable to keep her eyes open any longer, Hahli's spirit slept as it seamlessly returned to her body.
xXx
Watching the smoke and rainbow light, the Turaga, Rahaga and Matoro had exchanged a concerned glance when the light had begun to fade before watching Vakama as he crouched beside Hahli and whispered something to her. Straightening up, the fiery Turaga watched the smoke and light before sighing with relief as the light began strengthening and returned to its original brightness. The sounds of fighting then grew steadily before ceasing as the light grew brighter dissipating the remains of the smoke.
When several matoran arrived bearing food and drink for the Turaga and Rahaga, they agreed to take Hahli with them and with Pewku crouching low, rested the sleeping Chronicler on the ussal crab's back. Jaller watched as his friends headed off, then glanced curiously at Turaga Vakama as they walked back to the merrily crackling fire Norik had lit, "Let me guess, you're thinking that someone should check on our Toa." he smiled, chuckling as Jaller grinned, "Yes sir, that is if you don't mind?"
"Why should I, it's a good idea and I think Matoro will want to join you." Vakama replied glancing over to where Nuju was quietly discussing something with the Interpreter as he finished scribbling in Hahli's notebook. Turning to catch the elder Turaga's eye, Nuju gestured to the quiescent metru then nodded when Vakama said Jaller was also wishing to find the Toa.
Shortly after, the Turaga and Rahaga watched as the pair hurried off before dousing the dying fire and retracing their steps back to the tents, "Something tells me it's going to be a peaceful night." Nokama commented, ignoring the mischievous gleam in her closefriend's eye, to Gaaki as she did likewise when Pouks sidled closer to her.
xXx
Picking their way through the quiet metru, Jaller and Matoro stopped and stared at the protodermis block towering over the buildings ahead of them, "Spirits, it's immense." Matoro broke their stunned silence before they picked up the pace and hurried on.
Stopping at the edge of the violently cleared space, the matoran whistled at the mess, then they scrambled over the debris to where the Toa slept, a faint rainbow shimmer hanging over them. Carefully picking their way around the sleeping Toa, Jaller and Matoro made sure they were alright before settling beside their respective Toa, "Do you think this will be here come morning?"
"It's possible." Matoro yawned before making himself comfortable as he dozed off, chucking softly so as not to disturb his quiet friend, Jaller resolved to watch over his friends until morning but soon followed Matoro's example and fell asleep beside Tahu.
In the middle of the night, a blue glow appeared around the protodermis block and the dark Kaita split into the Rahkshi Kaita and Makuta. The single Rahkshi then vanished from beside the Makuta, their places being filled with more blue light that turned to protodermis. While this happened, the two Rahkshi shrank into Kraata which were placed into two stasis canisters which then floated over to where the Toa and matoran slept. A musical chuckle floated in the air as silent rage eminated from the trapped Makuta and the blue glow brightened before fading away.
