The morning light shone over the quiet metru, hitting the protodermis block making it shimmer with a myriad of colours, drawing the Toas' attention to it as they woke up and stretched. Climbing to their feet, they silently walked over for a closer look, Pohatu noticed the stasis canisters and scooped them up, "No doubt Turaga Whenua will know of some place to store these." he commented before grinning as Lewa let out a bark of laughter. "I thought nothing could top-beat when we first change-became Toa Kaita." he whooped swinging Anuenue around making her squeal with surprise, before yelping as her mask activated leaving him with violet stripes. More laughter rose as their rainbow hued sister giggled at the expression on her lanky green brother's mask before she glanced at Tahu when he cleared his throat, "What is the name of the mask Toa Kaita Alohi wears?"
"Kanohi Niji, the Mask of Illumination." she quietly replied, thinking of how the light around Toa Kaita Alohi had glowed, "And illumination led to harmony." Turaga Vakama's voice reached them as he and the other Turaga entered the area and Jaller and Matoro woke and peered around before scrambling to their feet.
Once everyone was ready, Turaga Whenua agreed with Pohatu that they needed to store the stasis canisters somewhere out of harms way and they discussed it as the group headed for where the Turaga had left their friends. Glancing at Jaller as he walked beside her and Aikane, Anuenue noticed he looked distracted about something. Nudging her violet hued sister,, she whispered quietly before both smiled as Gali silently replied to their question and then slowly moved back to keep pace with Jaller. When he glanced up at her, she grinned, "Gali says that Hahli's alright and is busily scribbling away."
"Really? I was concerned when she wouldn't waken up. Thank you for letting me know." he said, brightening up as Aikane winked at him and Anuenue chuckled, "Hey what are friends for?"
On reaching where the Ta-matoran had camped, the Toa and Turaga found them and the Rahaga waiting for news of what had taken place. As they gathered around their Turaga and friends, Jaller excused himself and headed off to find his closefriend.
...
"And it is safe to restart the repairs, but steer clear of that square for now, it'll be a joint clean-up with the Toa helping." Turaga Dume finished as the matoran prepared to return to where they'd been working, eager to get back to rebuilding their metru, "We will sir." Kapura replied before shouting to his friends to wait up as they headed off.
Glancing over to where Norik, Pouks and Kualus were chatting with Onewa, Whenua and Matau, Vakama and Dume smiled and walked over to them, "Would you like to meet the rest of the matoran after we've stored those stasis canisters in the Great Temple?" the elder Turaga asked when space was made for them on the fallen column being used as a seat. "Sounds like a good idea. It'll be good to see how the rebuilding is going on in the other metru." Iruini said before his red hued brother could reply then ducked as Bomonga playfully swiped at their mischievous brother.
"But first we'd like to help with some of the rebuilding here, at least until midday." Tahu said, chuckling as Bomonga and Iruini began an impromptu wrestling match until Gaaki glanced at Gali, chuckling as the blue hued Toa nodded and casually raised a hand and drenched the laughing pair. As spluttering and more laughter rang out, Norik and Kualus offer their soaked brothers a hand up, "You should know better than that." their icy brother chuckled as Bomonga brushed excess water from his face and grinned at the look on Iruini's as he caught a cloth from a Ga-matoran before she offered another to Bomonga, "Thanks...?"
"Keahi." came the reply as she then pulled a couple of packs from the back of the ussal crab she'd arrived on, "You must have something to eat before you do anything else or the healers will be after you." she added with a giggle before offering the bags to Kopaka.
Half an hour later they'd finished their breakfast and while the Turaga, Rahaga and Pohatu headed for the Great Temple, the other Toa helped their friends with rebuilding, Aikane using her power to create extra supports for several buildings. Pausing for a breather they were surprised to find they'd spent half the day working and their earthen brother and the Turaga and Rahaga had returned. Joining them as they talked with the resting matoran, Takanuva chuckled at the sight of Hahli sprawled on a blanket scribbling away, the finished sheets wedged under her kolhii stick so as not to blow away.
She had just finished a page and glanced up as Takanuva, Amaya and Rahaga Gaaki came to see how she was, "Is that the time?" she exclaimed, "Spirits, no wonder I'm peckish." Laughter rang from where they sat, drawing curious glances from their friends as Hahli eagerly made inroads on the food and drink Gaaki and Amaya had brought over. Wandering over to join them, Anuenue grinned as Hahli mumbled a greeting around her mouthful and patted the blanket before hastily swallowing and taking a drink. Sensing that the Chronicler wanted to ask her something, Anuenue settled beside Gaaki and waited for her to finish coughing while Amaya thumped her back.
"Y-you wanna read what I've done?" Hahli asked as soon as she'd regained her breath, her question drawing a bark of surprised laughter from Amaya, "Spirits, I thought you had something important to ask!" her blue/midnight hued friend exclaimed before nudging her and threatened to set Lakino on her. Thanking Hahli for letting her have first look, Anuenue removed the pages from under the kolhii stick and began to read, murmuring under her breath, and sounding out several words as she went.
Roughly an hour later, the rainbow hued Toa had finished and set the pages back, before glancing at her friend, "How did you know what was happening?" she asked curiously. Rubbing the back of her neck, Hahli grinned, "I, well my spirit watched as Lokahi battled the dark Kaita." she explained while Amaya stood up and waited for her friends to make a move, "Ah, he could sense there was someone watching." Anuenue replied, grinning as Hahli's eyes lit up and she hastily scribbled that snippet of information down on a scrap of paper, before hurrying after the rainbow hued Toa as she chuckled.
On reaching where the others were shoring up a building, Hahli chuckled at the cheeky remarks she received as she left her bag with the Turaga and pitched in between Anuenue and Onua, swiftly fastening the ropes as they were passed to her. Catching a glimpse of Turaga Nokama and Whenua pouring over what she'd written, the Chronicler blushed slightly before assisting her friends in their task.
Eventually the building was secure and everyone returned to where the Turaga were and eagerly accepted the cool drinks and fruit Kualus and Nuju had readied for them. Sitting between Tahu and Gali, Anuenue was half listening to their conversation when a flash of colour caught her eye. Blinking, she was about to go and investigate when suddenly a flock of brightly hued butterflies appeared, swooping over the surprised group before fluttering down to perch wherever they could, "Great Beings, they're beautiful. But what are they?" Amaya exclaimed, her eyes shining as she peered at the copper/gold insect now perched on her forearm.
"They're butterflies, but how did they get here?" Anuenue replied, her own gaze fixed on the nearest of several perched on her arm, to her surprise, the yellow/green flecked insect turned to peer up at her before its wing pattern and colours changed to match the rainbow hued Toa's arm. Glancing at the other butterflies perched on and near her friends, Turaga Nokama smiled at the metallic green/sky-blue flecked one sat on her trident, "Well as we've done enough for the day, let's relax for the evening."
Her suggestion was met with agreement, though Taipu and Olcas looked as though they intended to carry on until nightfall until Akara and Kotu dragged them away from the work area, threatening to ask Lakino for sleeping draughts in they didn't relax. Laughter rang out at the expression on the matoran's masks when their friends pulled them down beside Rahaga Pouks and Iruini. Not long after, all six were in deep conversation about where the Rahaga had journeyed before arriving on Metru Nui.
...
Shifting to sit beside Turaga Vakama, Hahli glanced up at him when he turned to peer at her curiously, "Turaga, I'm still puzzled as to why I suddenly knew that the Ultimate Toa Kaita's name is Lokahi." she said when he asked what was on her mind, "Ah, well when his light began to fade, I whispered his name to you. It was revealed to me in the last vision I had." the fiery Turaga smiled, watching as the butterflies took off to find somewhere to roost and circled around those assembled before choosing the building which had been worked on earlier.
Twilight darkened the sky as everyone made their way back to the tents and settled down, the Toa still talking about the recent events, until Anuenue fell asleep, prompting Gali to insist they settled down. Soon after a peaceful hush fell over the tents.
xXx
Opening their eyes, Gali, Aikane and Anuenue glanced at each other in surprise as they realized they were sharing the same dream. Linking hands as the ground shifted below them, they watched as they flew towards the coliseum and came to land beside the sculpture. Walking over to it, the sisters exchanged a curious glance as it then began to softly glow mirroring the glow coming from their symbol marked hands. As a mist surrounded them the Toa clasped their right hands together over the sculpture for several moments. Then Aikane and Gali let go of Anuenue's hand and stepped back into the mist and were hidden from her sight.
When the mist thinned again, Anuenue murmured in surprise and hastily bowed to the brilliant white figure she'd seen once before. Trembling as he moved closer to where she stood, the rainbow hued Toa shyly returned the Great Spirit's smile as he gently squeezed her shoulder before leaning down to whisper, "Your destiny lies in both worlds." As Anuenue's spirit's eyes closed, the brilliant white figure's appearance shimmered and changed as they caught the rainbow hued spirit and gently lowered her to the ground.
xXx
Melodious trilling awoke those in the makeshift camp as the suns rose and while everyone left the tents and peered around for the source, Gaaki and Pouks slowly walked over to the strand of trees.
Several minutes later they returned with an unfamiliar looking rahi following them. As they reached the curious group, the pheasant like rahi trilled, equally curious about those living near where it had landed, and glanced over at Kualus when he translated, "His name is Wanimua..." before he could get any further, the butterfly flock roused and several came to investigate the newcomer. Cautiously, the one that had assumed Anuenue's hues delicately landed on Wanimua's beak and, to the Rahagas' amusement, turned its wings to match the light blue/grey/white/green and silver of the rahi's body.
As everyone chuckled at the sight, several matoran began preparing breakfast while the others helped roll up the sides of the tents to allow fresh air to circulate before joining their friends. Wanimua had kept beside the Rahaga, still slightly wary about the taller two-legs but hungry enough to accept their invitation to join them. The butterflies needed no encouragement and eagerly hovered around the busy matoran, causing chuckles and laughter to ring out as the cheeky insects tickled their hosts masks in their eagerness to get at the fruit.
By now Anuenue found herself being asked questions about the butterflies of her world by Norik and Kualus, as she'd recognized the insects, "But these are unique, none of the earth ones can change their colours or patterns like these." she said, whistling softly as the one on her hand switched its hues from almond/cinnamon blotches to pine/light blue diamonds before fluttering off to join its flock.
As the Rahaga thanked the rainbow hued Toa before heading over to join their brothers and sister, she peered around for her Toa sisters and went to sit with them. Murmuring her thanks as she accepted her share of breakfast, Anuenue watched as Wanimua and the butterflies tucked into the fruit which Amaya and Macku had set out for them. "What's on your mind sis?" Gali softly asked, watching Anuenue as she picked at the fruit, "That dream we shared. What happened after the mist came up and hide you?" she replied glancing up at both her sisters, "To us?" Aikane murmured, "We fell asleep. Why?"
They listened in amazement as Anuenue softly explained what had occurred after they'd vanished and Aikane shifted closer to hug her younger sister while Gali peered around for the Turaga.
Catching Nokama's eye, the blue hued Toa waved and indicated that she wanted a word, nodding the blue hued Turaga excused herself and headed over to join the three Toa.
Sitting between Gali and Anuenue, she listened as they then told her of all they'd dreamt of the previous night. When Aikane fell silent, the sisters watched Nokama as she mulled over what they'd told her, absently tapping her trident against the ground. Straightening up, the blue hued Turaga smiled reassuringly at Anuenue, "You finish your breakfast while I let my brothers know." she said before slipping from the wall and heading back to where the other Turaga had joined the Rahaga to discuss where Wanimua could have come from.
"Come on sis, let's kill some time while waiting for the Turaga." Gali commented after half an hour had passed and Nokama showed no sign of returning to where they sat and Anuenue was fidgeting impatiently. Jumping to her feet, the rainbow hued Toa hurried over to where their friends were busy and soon found something to do. Following at a slower pace, Aikane and Gali chuckled at the enthusiasm Anuenue showed before reaching and helping their brothers who were shifting the larger pieces of stone with their Matau while Lewa and the small group of Le-matoran kept their friends amused with jokes.
…
Having finished discussing what Nokama had told them, the Turaga looked around at the busy matoran and Toa then Nuju gestured to where Anuenue was helping Hafu, Macku and Kongu with some scaffolding. Anuenue was so engrossed in her work that she didn't realize they had company until Matau moved to gently poke her in the ribs, once she'd set the boards she held down. Kongu ceased up with laughter as a surprised shriek rang out followed by the unexpected sound of Nuju cracking up at the sight of pink and orange flowers now covering their mischievous green brother. Dashing tears of mirth from his mask, Dume offered Anuenue a canister of water as she cautiously watched Turaga Matau as he tried to brush the flowers from his robe before looking up at her, "Aw come on colour-sis, change me back." Swallowing her mouthful, Anuenue's mask glowed softly and to Matau's evident relief his form and robe resumed their usual green hues. Grinning at his closefriend as she rolled her eyes and brandished her trident at him, the green hued Turaga linked her arm with his and then tugged her over to a seat. "Interesting combination, young one." Dume commented, winking at the rainbow hued Toa before Whenua came over to ask if she'd tell him about the butterflies as he'd been busy earlier, "It was instinctive sir." she replied before following Whenua over to a quiet space near to the just lit bonfire that crackled merrily in the evening light.
They were deep in conversation, the ebon hued Turaga taking notes of the images of butterfly wings Anuenue used her mask to show him when a curious muttering broke into their discussion. "Hey colour-sis, are you play-practicing with the fire-flames?" Lewa called out as the pair glanced around from where they sat, "No bro, why do you...ooh!"
"Oh indeed." Turaga Whenua agreed as they saw that the flames of the bonfire now shimmered in a myriad of colours and moved to join their brothers and sisters. Sitting between Tahu and Onua, Turaga Whenua and Anuenue watched the rainbow hued flames with their friends and all murmured in amazement as the top-most flame detached from the fire and hovered just above it. Slowly it began changing shape until a pale sphere hung in the air before fading from sight. "I wonder..." Aikane and Gali murmured before grinning at each other as Anuenue laughed, "My thoughts exactly."
"That your dream is somehow connected? It's possible." Turaga Vakama said as the colours faded from the fire as it crumbled, "Still, that is something we can think on tomorrow. For now, I suggest we rest." Dume added, smiling as he watched the remaining matoran head off for the tents after bidding the Turaga, Rahaga and Toa pleasant dreams. Murmured agreement came from those still awake, even as Whenua moved to stand beside Anuenue and asked if they could continue their conversation tomorrow. Stifling a yawn, the rainbow hued Toa agreed, then followed her sisters over to the tent they shared with Takanuva, Kopaka and Tahu, passing Wanimua, whom chirped sleepily before tucking his head under his wing.
After talking for several more minutes, the Toa drifted off to sleep. Then a few minutes after Wanimua poked his head through the tent flap, his eyes now blue instead of gold, nodded and settled back in his chosen spot to sleep.
Early the following morning, six of the Turaga left their tent just before dawn and headed over to the tent they'd seen the Toa sisters enter. Peering inside, Matau noticed that Aikane was closest to the tent flap and then crept inside to gently rouse the violet hued Toa. Blinking drowsily at the green hued Turaga, Aikane rubbed her eyes as he whispered to her, then nodded before silently nudging her sisters into wakefulness.
Several minutes the trio crept out without disturbing their brothers and gratefully accepted canisters of bula berry juice as they followed the Turaga over to where the fire had been the night before. Poking at the smouldering ashes, Vakama looked up and smiled as the Toa greeted him, "We are to head for the coliseum, just you three and us." Quiet murmurs of surprise came from the Toa, but they nodded and the group headed off, making certain that they didn't accidentally rouse anyone else.
Feeling restless and annoyed by having woken so early, Hahli crept from the tent she shared with her friends in time to see Turaga Whenua and Nuju walking around a corner. Puzzled, the Chronicler ducked back into the tent to grab her bag then hurried after the Turaga, curious to know what was happening.
…
Slowing down as she caught a glimpse of the Turaga, Aikane, Gali and Anuenue approaching the causeway leading to the coliseum, Hahli ducked behind a wall just as Turaga Nuju glanced over his shoulder and smiled. Whistling to his companions to wait, the icy Turaga beckoned to Hahli, inviting her to join them.
Chuckling as Hahli reached them, Nokama quietly began telling her what they were doing, "It is because of the dream I had last night as well." Vakama added as they walked across the causeway. Seeing he now had the Toa and Hahli's complete attention, the fiery Turaga smiled before explaining, "I dreamt that I was in the arena examining the sculpture, when a brilliant light appeared above it and settled into the dish part," he paused as they then skirted the scaffolding covering part of the causeway. "When I woke, I realized my dream showed me that you are in some way connected to the light that appeared." he added once they'd reached the clearer area of the causeway and headed for the coliseum as the first rays of sunlight brightened the sky, highlighting the clouds in gold.
Silence fell over the group as they mulled over Vakama's words, "I think I know what you mean Turaga." Aikane murmured as they entered the coliseum and made their way into the arena. Anuenue glanced down at her right hand as a tingling sensation began in her palm, then glanced at her sisters, meeting her gaze they nodded, "Ours too, Vakama is right." Gali murmured to her as they entered the arena and headed to where the sculpture stood.
As they approached the sculpture, it began softly glowing and the Turaga and Hahli stopped to allow Aikane, Gali and Anuenue to draw closer still. The trio paused to contemplate the dream they'd shared then smiled at each other before glancing around as their brothers and the Rahaga arrived and joined the Turaga and Chronicler. Listening as Dume explained to their friends and brothers what was happening, Aikane, Gali and Anuenue walked around the sculpture until they formed a triangle. Shifting closer still as the glow grew brighter they placed their symbol marked hands together and shielded their eyes as a blinding glow appeared between them. Standing there unable to see, the trio felt something appear on the sculpture then sank to the ground as the energy flowing through their hands left them unconscious.
Half an hour earlier, Tahu and Kopaka had been awoken by Nixie, the midnight blue matoran sounding worried as she explained, "The Turaga are nowhere to be found." Rubbing his mask, Takanuva glanced around the tent, "So have our sisters." he said, clambering to his feet and stretching before following everyone from the tent. Heading for the tent their brothers shared, Tahu reassured Nixie that they'd their missing friends, and they paused to listen to Amaya telling Gaaki that Hahli was nowhere to be found. "It could be that they've gone over to the coliseum." Takanuva suggested as their brothers joined them, Kopaka with them, "Then we should join them." Onua replied.
While Tahu, Kopaka and Onua switched to their Miru, Pohatu glanced over to where the Rahaga were waiting for the Toa, "If we fly there how will you keep up?" Norik laughed as his companions grinned broadly, "Oh we'll manage." he replied as Iruini took off and hovered before the others followed suit, "See you there." Pouks added with a chuckle. Then in a blur of motion, the Rahaga sped off in the direction of the coliseum, Lewa whistled in surprise then he and the others took off after the Rahaga.
Having caught up with the Rahaga, everyone reached the coliseum and landed beside the entrance and once they'd caught their breath headed inside to see what was going on. Entering the arena, they headed over to where the Turaga and Hahli were, glancing curiously at their sisters while listening to Turaga Dume explain what was happening.
When their brothers nodded and turned to watch, Aikane, Gali and Anuenue joined hands. Startled murmurs came from those watching as light enveloped the trio hiding them from sight and shielded their eyes, Hahli using her notebook in an attempt to watch until she too had to cover her eyes.
Several minutes later everyone realized that the light was beginning to fade and Kopaka was first to be able to focus his Akaku to see what was happening. Quietly he told his companions what he could see, "Our sisters are unconscious but seemingly unharmed." Wiping their smarting eyes, everyone found somewhere to sit and watched the glowing light as it shimmered in a light breeze and the sunlight slowly climbed up the side of the tower.