Chapter 09

Water rushed over Kulagi, blurring his vision, but his mind wasn't focused on his sight. Instead, he kept replaying the same scene over and over again. Triki had pushed him out of the way, and then got caught himself. Kulagi had watched him get slammed into the wall as he fell backwards into the water. The Dark Hunters now had his friend.

Kulagi was faintly aware of something grabbing onto his arms and dragging him up onto dry land. He heard voices above him, but their words didn't reach him, although he occasionally recognized his name. But it was something far off, and Kulagi's mind was still back at the head of the canal, watching Triki get captured.

Suddenly, something struck him, and Kulagi shot up, coughing. His vision came back into focus, and he saw Sufina and Glax kneeling down next to him. They were underground again, in a section where the canal ran beneath the city. Behind him, he could still hear the rushing water.

"What just happened?" he asked.

"We had to pull you out of the water," Glax explained. "You were really out of it, so I used a Regeneration Kanoka on you. Seems to have worked."

"Where's Triki?" Sufina asked. "We haven't seen him wash up yet. Did he get pushed down a side channel or something?"

"No, no, that's not what happened," Kulagi said slowly. "They got him. The Dark Hunters captured Triki." His voice grew weak. "He saved me; he pushed me into the water at the last minute, and got captured himself."

Sufina gasped, and Glax lowered his head solemnly. "That is not good," he said darkly.

"He saved me... and now we need to go save him," Kulagi said. "We need to rescue Triki."

"Are you mental?" Glax asked. "There's no way we can save Triki now. Even if we could fight the Dark Hunters, we have no idea where they're taking him. If we go on a rescue mission now, we'll just get caught ourselves. And then Triki's sacrifice would've been in vain."

"I don't care if it sounds impossible," Kulagi said. "I need to rescue my friend!"

"Kulagi, I get where you're coming from," Sufina said. "Trust me, I know firsthand what it's like to get kidnapped. And I know that you're the one who did the most to rescue me. But you can't just storm in and free Triki. We just can't make that happen right now."

"But I need to try," Kulagi insisted. "Because who knows what they'll do to him now."

"No, Triki will be fine, for the time being," Glax said. "Because what the Dark Hunters want now is information, and they think that Triki can provide that."

"What do you mean?" Sufina asked, turning to the Ko-Matoran.

"Those Dark Hunters were after something very specific," Glax said. "And you're trying to find some device that they absolutely cannot have. So either it's a major coincidence that they crossed paths with us, or else their primary objective is your device. Perhaps that was the sole purpose of their entire attack in this region."

"That might be it," Sufina reluctantly admitted.

"So if they think Triki knows where it is, they will try to get the information from him first," Glax said.

"But he doesn't know where it is, and neither do we," Kulagi said.

"But they don't know that he doesn't know," Glax pointed out.

"And when they figure that out, Triki will be in trouble," Kulagi said.

"I think you're underestimating your friend," Glax said. "I've only known Triki for a short time, but his personality is a little... eccentric."

"That's one way of putting it," Kulagi muttered.

"But the Dark Hunters might not recognize his ramblings for what they are," Glax said. "If half the tales are true, then most Dark Hunters have more brawn than brains. If Triki can keep them confused long enough, they won't realize that he's not of any use to them. And that gives us time to go and get help."

"Help?" Sufina asked. "From where?"

"From the Toa, obviously," Glax said. "Look, the canal carried us across half the Metru, and that means we have a head start on any of the Dark Hunters. We just keep running until we reach the Toa held sections of the Metru. Once they know what's going on, they'll push up their attack. If the Dark Hunters are so focused on finding this device, they won't want to hold out against a full blown assault by the Toa. They'll flee, and in the meantime we can make sure your friend gets rescued."

"The only problem is that means we still don't have the device," Sufina pointed out. "In the time it takes us to get to the Toa, they could continue searching for it, and if they find it..."

"Somebody already has it," Glax pointed out. "Hopefully that somebody is on our side, and they have it well hidden."

"There were other Matoran on your team," Kulagi pointed out. "Could one of them have it?"

Sufina shook her head. "They were in Ta-Metru, preparing to begin the mass production of the device. So they weren't in the area when the Dark Hunters attacked. At least, I don't think they were; they didn't hide out with us anyway."

"And the chutes went down just about as soon as the attack started," Glax pointed out. "Nobody got in or out of this section of the Metru, and those of us who remained had to go into hiding."

"Could it have been the Vahki?" Kulagi asked. "Of maybe some Matoran thief? Was it moved to another hiding spot that you weren't aware of?"

"I don't know," Sufina admitted, and she collapsed to the ground. "I was the only one of my team in the area, and I just didn't think to look after it, and now it's gone. I'm the one to blame for this."

"Nonsense," Glax said. "The reason you were preoccupied was because you were helping the Matoran escape. I was there; I remember how helpful you were. I think you had your priorities set just right."

Sufina took a few deep breaths. "Okay, I guess you're right. Because if the Dark Hunters had it, they still wouldn't be chasing us, looking for it." She reached for her pack. "Besides, I have all my notes here. Even if we don't have the working prototype, I can still recreate it. But if the Dark Hunters get their hands on the original and use it... that will not bode well for the Toa."

"Well, there's nothing we can do about that for now," Glax said. "Let's make it our priority to get the Toa, and when they return, they can search for it after they drive the Dark Hunters out."

"That's as good a plan as any," Sufina said, pulling some of the tablets from her pack. "Oh no, the trip through the canal broke some of my notes. I hope they're not damaged beyond repair."

Sufina started shuffling through the tablet shards so she could recreate her notes, while Kulagi rested against the wall. He was still recovering from the mental attack that Hakann had hit him with, and his guilt over Triki continued to gnaw at him. But he recognized the truth in Glax's words; he couldn't rescue his friend right now. Not in the shape he was in.

Suddenly, something caught Kulagi's eye in Sufina's notes. It wasn't any of the intricate drawings or scribbled descriptions; rather it was a photograph etched into one of the tablets. Kulagi recognized Sufina in the center of it, and she was posing with two other Matoran; one wore an Akaku and the other a great Ruru.

"Who are they?" Kulagi asked, pointing to the photograph.

"Oh, that's a photo of my team," Sufina said. "It's from when we started on this project; the three of us were going to make the power source that would turn this war around."

"They were on your team?" Kulagi repeated.

"Yeah, and they're probably in Ta-Metru, not knowing how badly I've failed them," Sufina said sadly.

"They weren't in Ta-Metru," Kulagi said. "I recognize them. They were on the chute that crashed in Onu-Metru; they were the ones who told us about the attack."

"What?" Glax asked. "That means they were up here when the Dark Hunters struck."

"What if they were the ones who took the device?" Kulagi hypothesized. "Instead of fleeing with the other Matoran, they took it to the chutes and tried to escape the Metru."

"Then they must've gotten it out in time!" Sufina said. "Oh, that's a relief."

"Maybe not," Kulagi said. "They were attacked in the chute, and it caused them to crash when they got to Onu-Metru. And they were very eager to return."

"Then they had the device, but lost it when the chute was attacked," Glax summarized. "But the Dark Hunters are still looking for it, which means that they didn't claim it during the attack."

"They might not have known that those Matoran had it," Kulagi said. "They were simply attacking fleeing Matoran. But if they weren't checking the wreckage..."

"Then the device could still be there!" Sufina exclaimed. "That's where we have to go next, before the Dark Hunters figure this out too."

"Where did the Dark Hunters attack the chute?" Glax asked.

"I don't know exactly where, but I know the route it takes," Kulagi said. "They probably didn't get far before the attack came, so we could still get to it quickly."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Sufina asked, repacking her bag. "We need to get moving."

"Agreed," Kulagi said. "I'll help you find this device and get you to safety. But then, as soon as we're through with that, I'm going back to rescue Triki."

"I thought we already went over this," Glax asked. "You won't be able to pull it off."

"But I still have to try," Kulagi said, strapping his Kanoka launcher to his back. "Besides, I've gone on rescue missions before. I can do it again."

Meanwhile, unknown to Kulagi, Triki was being held in a small stone room in a remote station in Po-Metru. It was a makeshift prison that the Dark Hunters had put together, far from any of the Toa controlled lands. There, they would not be disturbed during their interrogations.

Outside the room, Hakann paced back and forth. "I'm eager to get started," he growled. "And then I'll teach that puny Le-Matoran the real meaning of pain."

"You shouldn't underestimate him," Optics said, looking through Triki's belongings. "He was able to dodge your attacks and withstand your mental blasts. He's clearly very skilled."

"Or he's just a lunatic," Hakann spat. "A very lucky lunatic."

"But look at what he was carrying," Optics said, gesturing to the supplies scattered across the table. "These are all fairly high level Kanoka. Some of these are even level seven. We've heard that all high level Kanoka are being turned into Kanohi for the Toa. Why would this Matoran have any in his arsenal?"

"Maybe he stole them?" Hakann suggested with a shrug.

"But then can you explain this mask?" Optics asked, holding up the Kanohi Triki had created.

Hakann frowned. "That one's uglier than normal. What kind is it?"

"That's the thing, I don't recognize it," Optics said. "It must be a rare design, and it could be very dangerous when used by a Toa. So why was he carrying such a unique Kanohi?"

"Well, if he's as well connected as you think he is, then he can provide us with all the juicy details," Hakann said. "I don't care if we don't have permission yet, I'm starting this interrogation."

Optics shrugged, and Hakann entered the small room. Inside were a small table and a chair, which Triki was sitting on, with his hands shackled behind his back. Hakann grinned his toothy grin as he entered. "Hello, Matoran. We meet again."

"Hello," Triki said, focusing intently on Hakann.

"I have some questions for you," Hakann said. "And if you answer them to my liking, then there won't be any trouble."

"Trouble," Triki said, tilting his head sideways.

"Yes, you should know that things can get a little rough with me," Hakann said. "But it doesn't have to lead to that."

"It doesn't have to lead to that," Triki agreed.

"Then I think we understand each other," Hakann said.

"We understand each other," Triki affirmed.

"Good, now let's begin," Hakann said. "Tell me, where is the device?"

"Where IS the device?" Triki asked.

Hakann frowned. "That's what I'm asking you."

"That's what I'm asking you!" Triki shot back.

"You're the one associated with it," Hakann said. "We know that the Toa were having the Matoran build some sort of power source out here. And then you showed up with your pals and starting causing trouble. I think you know more than you're letting on."

"YOU know more than YOU'RE letting on," Triki said.

"Don't test me, Matoran," Hakann growled. "Tell me what I want to know."

"Don't test me!" Triki said, leaning back and grinning. "Tell me what I want to know!"

Hakann narrowed his eyes, but suddenly paused as he realized what the Le-Matoran had just said. "Wait, are you repeating everything I say?"

"Are YOU repeating everything I say?" Triki asked back.

"Stop it!"

"Stop it."

"I mean it," Hakann said, slamming his fists down on the table. "I'm the one leading the interrogation here!"

Triki also slammed his much smaller fists on the table. "I'm the one leading the interrogation here!"

Hakann snarled, but then his eyes focused on Triki's hands. "Wait, weren't your hands shackled earlier?"

"Weren't YOUR hands shackled earlier?" Triki asked back smugly.

"Why you little!" Hakann roared, leaping forward to grab the Matoran. But Triki nimbly dodged to the side. Hakann charged forward, thinking he had cornered the Matoran against the wall. But Triki kicked off the wall and leapt over Hakann's shoulder, and the crimson Dark Hunter smashed into the wall head first.

"I'm going to rip you limb from limb," Hakann raged, as he spun around to grab the Matoran.

"I'm going to rip YOU limb from limb," Triki repeated with a giggle, as he easily dodged around all of Hakann's attacks. He jumped onto the table, and Hakann leapt at him, but Triki jumped up and Hakann smashed into the table, crushing it completely. Meanwhile Triki landed on Hakann's head and bounced off it, laughing as he did so.

The door burst opened, and Triki took his chance and darted towards it. But a metallic arm reached down and grabbed him by the throat. Triki was lifted up until he was eye to eye with Lariska.

"So you're the one causing all the trouble in here?" she asked.

"YOU'RE the one causing all the trouble in here," Triki repeated, wheezing because Lariska was gripping his throat.

Lariska scowled and threw Triki across the room, where he crashed into the wall and was knocked unconscious. Then she turned her gaze towards Hakann. "That was quite a pathetic interrogation, was it not?"

Hakann angrily got to his feet. "That Matoran was playing tricks on me. I had it under control."

"Actually, I think you underestimated him again," Optics said, entering behind Lariska. "He was able to expertly provoke you, and he probably got more out of that interrogation than you did. Not to mention that he got free from his shackles. I didn't realize he was so skilled."

"You've been outwitted by a Matoran," Lariska said. "Pathetic."

"Maybe that's true, but we still captured him, and he's still our prisoner," Hakann said. "Besides, we're not the only ones who've been outwitted. Rumor has it that you and Charger got bested by some of these small guys too."

"Not all rumors are true," Lariska snarled. "You'd best remember that."

"Of course," Hakann said. "Just like that rumor that the Matoran were putting together some powerful energy source in Ga-Metru. But our attack here was provided absolutely nothing, except a few headstrong Matoran who think they can fight us."

"Our intelligence was not wrong," Lariska said. "But you just mangled the attack here and let it slip away under your nose... or whatever you call that ugly thing on your face."

"I wasn't in charge of the attack here," Hakann said. "That was all Vengeance's doing. Optics and I are actually the only ones who've collected any results when we captured this Matoran. And we will squeeze the information out of him, one way or another."

"Watch your tone," Lariska snapped. "Remember who is in charge here."

"From where I stand, I only see somebody pretending to be in charge," Hakann shot back.

Lariska scowled, and then swung her robotic arm at Hakann, aiming to smack him in the face. But Hakann was already moving, and brought up his lava launcher to block her blow. Lariska tried to follow up with a devastating kick that would've taken down most opponents. But Hakann sidestepped and pushed back, throwing Lariska off balance. She stumbled backwards, and once she regained her footing, she saw Hakann aiming his lava launcher at her head.

"The crazy Le-Matoran is one thing," Hakann said. "But I know how you fight. Don't think you can beat me as easily as your other subordinates."

Lariska conceded. "Alright, I don't have time for this. You stick with the interrogation here, and send for me if you get anything good."

Hakann grinned, enjoying any victory he could get over Lariska. "You say that because you know we're your best bet for finding that energy source."

"Perhaps," Lariska said slyly. "But I have other pawns in play, and one of them might just pay off first. And then I'll have no need to keep you around anymore."