What happens to a writer when they lack internet for the past few weeks? They high-tail it to the nearest library to upload it. Granted I wasn't able to do that, but I was able to use Microsoft word to proof this chapter more efficiently. The good news is I'm working with internet as I'm writing this. Bad news, is that there may be a drop in quality in the next few chapters as I get back into the groove. You have been warned.
True to Hahli's predictions, the rain did come. The sky rang with claps of thunder throughout the night. Water pouring from black clouds, to the point that if one stood outside for a few moments they would be soaked to the bone. As the sun rises, turning black clouds to gray, the rain slowed to a light drizzle. But have yet to stop even as noon rolls around. Even with the rains persistent, the Toa worked to put the finishing touches on their shelter. As they stood back to admire their work Jaller tilts his head, watching the droplets of rain patter against the roof.
"Well... It's water proof. Now we just have to wait and see how it fares in snow."
"I'm sure it'll be fine. It held up when that branch fell on it last night didn't it?" Nuparu quips. Hewkii looks up to the sky, staring at the clouds as if his glare will make them part.
"Anyone know when the rain will stop?" He asks. Hahli and Kongu looked up to the sky, trying to judge the size of the system using their connection to their element. After a full minute it was Kongu who said.
"It won't be for a long-while yet. But the worst of it seems to be over with." This got a groan from Nuparu and Hewkii.
"I'm sure the humans wouldn't notice if one of you speed things up just a little bit." Nuparu move his index and thumb claw just an inch from each other. Kongu pat Nuparu's shoulder.
"Sorry Earth-brother. I don't like it either but we can't risk it."
"We might as well move this conversation inside. At least then we can dry off." Hewkii said. The others, with the exception of Hahli, nod in agreement.
A large pile of lumber, most of it was the blacken lumber that David provided a few days before, was sitting in the back corner, left untouched during the construction. With a flick of Jaller's finger, a fire blaze to life in the pit at the center. They sat around the hungry flames, letting the heat evaporate the droplets while they try to plan what would come next.
Idea after idea was suggested, only to be shot down just as quickly. It doesn't help that they have little to work with. What information that Sora and Taylor provide so far shows that the natives know just as much as they do. And unlike them the Toa can't exactly just go out and search for answers themselves.
"So, the only thing we can do now is learn the local area." Hahli frown.
"Seems that way." Jaller sighs, throwing another log into the pit.
"The universes must share the same twisted sense of humor. I mean what's the point in saving us from being destroyed, only to toss us on a world that wants to do the same thing." Hewkii shakes his head.
"Look on the bright side. We're not Makuta-bones at the moment. Got a roof over our head and not all of the natives are trying to seek-harm us." Kongu said.
"We can't be relying on their help at every turn though. If the warning we got is true, then they could get in trouble for sheltering us."
"Exactly, it's best that we try and learn to fend for ourselves on this new world. Starting with not getting lost the minute we leave the clearing."
"Well... we have a bunch of rope left over. We could use those to mark the ground-path we traveled. That way we have a sure-way of finding our way back." Kongu suggested.
"Anyone else want to add to that?" No one else spoke. Jaller got up, and pick out two out of the three remaining bundles of twine. He handed one to Hewkii.
"Alright, we'll split into two teams. And choose a direction."
"Shouldn't we at least wait until the sun comes out?" Hewkii asks. His eyes flick toward the door way, seeing the droplets continuing to fall.
"You could stick around and find something else productive to do. I'm not forcing you to do anything." Jaller sighed. Nuparu snaps the twine from Hewkii's hand before he had the chance to give an answer.
"If he's not going, then I'm taking this."
"Want me to come along?" Hahli asks. Nuparu froze with one foot out the door. He looks over his shoulder to the rest with wide eyes. He flicks them to Kongu, pleading silently. The Toa of air just cross his arms body trembling, and shook his head.
"Err, no thanks. I think I'll be alright on my own." he stutters, and disappeared into the rain. Tales from yesterday's 'outing' flashes in everyone's mind, And with Kongu not following him out there's no telling what form of trouble Nuparu could find himself in this time around. Jaller starts to stand, when Hewkii grumble under his breath.
"I better go with him." Hewkii sighs, and follow him out.
"That leaves the three of us." Jaller notes. Both Hahli and Jaller started to follow the motion of the two before, when they notice that Kongu made no move to join them. "Kongu, aren't you coming?" Kongu wave his hand, and points his thumb to the lumber sitting in the dark corner.
"You two go on ahead. I'm going to stay and try my hand at wood sculpting." Jaller was about to ask him why, but decided against it.
"If you're sure." he shrugs, and then turns to Hahli. "So, got any particular direction you want to take?"
"We should start by going east; I'm a little familiar with the area..." The rest of what Hahli said were lost as they walked further from the archway. Kongu waited until he was certain that none of them would come back, and rub his hands together.
"Ok... this shouldn't be too hard, it's not like I'm rebuilding all of Le-Koro or anything." he chirps, and grab the first large branch he sees.
Miles away from where the Toa hide, the hypnotizing pattering the rain made on the windows is drowned out by mass conversation in the high school cafeteria. Those who usually sit outside were forced in, the autumn wind blowing almost frozen rain underneath the lip that shelters the outside tables. Still even with the most of the student body inside, it didn't stop some of them from enjoying themselves. In the far corner of the cafeteria, the three humans sat. Taylor actively relaying yesterday's event's to a doe eyed David.
"I'm telling you, Sora just randomly flipped Hewkii. I mean I wasn't there when it all started but I'm pretty sure that he didn't do anything to provoke her. " Taylor whispers.
"Did you really do that?" David asked. She stabs her fork into her lunch as David looked at Sora with wide eyes.
"I'm never going to live that down am I?" Sora mumbled. Taylor laughs, shaking her drum stick at her.
"Hey you're lucky that the Toa code ended up being true, otherwise... Splat goes the Sora."
"They wouldn't hurt you, you saved their lives." David stated.
"Even so, I hate to be the one to explain to whomever you're living with why I was scraping your remains off a rock."
"Doubt he would even notice I was gone anyway." Sora said under her breath. The comment was missed by the others
"What else happened?" Taylor looks at her free hand, and began to list, raising a finger for each event.
"Let's see... I told you about the flip, The Toa getting a roof up. The planet's biological warfare on Kongu and Nuparu." her smile grew wider as she said that. Which was followed with David gave one of his own. Taylor taps her finger on her chin, and let out a hum. "I think that's everything..." She turned to Sora, who was quietly munching on her salad, nose deep in her book. "Have I left anything out?"
"Honestly I wasn't paying that much attention." She said, turning the page with her thumb. She flicks her eyes up a second later. "Although... I do recall you managing to tie yourself to a couple of branches..."
"I thought we agreed not to speak of that." Taylor hiss. David laughs, taking a bite out of his sandwich. Sora returns her attention to the book, using it to hide her smirk.
"I remember making no such agreement." Taylor groans, placing her head in her hands.
"Ugh how is it that we're friends again?" She asks.
"Beats me, I don't even know how we managed to stay around each other this long." Sora grunts. David looked between the two girls of the group, and quips.
"We're all misfits?"
"I think it's more like opposites attract." Taylor snorts. Sora rolls her eyes.
"Does it really matter at this point?" She asks. Taylor shrugs.
"I guess not." Taylor pushes her empty tray to the side. And prop her head on her hand. "So, what's the plan today?" She asks. Both of her friends shrug.
"Work, homework, and home. So, the usual Monday routine I guess." Sora says behind the book.
"And Tomorrow?
"Same."
"What about the weekend of Halloween? Got any plans then?" Taylor hastily asks. Sora looks up from the book once again, eyebrows raised.
"Are you going where with this Taylor?" Taylor nods. She reached out into her pocket, and pulls out a crumpled up flyer.
"The comic book store throws this massive costume party on the Saturday closest to Halloween. I've been going to it pretty much every year since I've got here, and I want you two to come with me. Right before we do our annual camp out."
She flattens it out on the table for them to see more clearly. Sora and David read the paper that was place in front of them, and then glance at each other. Taylor took one look at their faces, more at the frown that's on David's then Sora's usual mask. She hits the table hard with the palm of her hand. The sudden noise causes David to flinch, and to draw Sora's full attention.
"Aw come on you two! It's our senior year. This is going to be our last Halloween in town. And it could be our last Halloween together period if the colleges don't accept all of us. Wouldn't you want to make it count?"
"I- do... but I don't really do that well with crowds." David stuttered out. His hands were starting to fidget as he took in a few breaths, trying to calm himself. Sora closes the book with a snap.
"And I could be working. Plus, I and David aren't really party people anyway."
"Neither am I! But this isn't one of those typical parties..." Taylor sighed when she realized that she isn't going convince them the way she planned. "All right, you two leave me no choice." She disappeared underneath the table and she digs through her backpack. The sounds of rustling paper was heard until "Ah ha!" Taylor exclaimed, showing off a large folded piece of notebook paper to both of them.
"This, Is a copy of my Pre-Cal notes from today." She began to wave it in front of her two friends. David's eyes following it like a dog would to a treat.
"I don't see anything special about it." Sora said.
"Oh this is very special. This version..." She points to it. "…Shows someone what to look for in the problem, and then how to go through it to get the right answer every single time. My own little pre-Cal for dummies, if you will." David eyes brighten. he reached out to grab it. But Taylor pulled her hand away just as his fingers brush along the edge. She scolded him, wagging her finger.
"Ah, ah, ah. You two are going have to trade for it. I'm willing to give you this and many more like it, if you two promise to come with me to the party. It's as simple as that."
"But, you had always helped us out before." David whimpers.
"Eventually you get tired of dragging people along. Besides this is the only bargaining chip I have on you two." David looked down again at the flyer.
"I guess a party does sound like fun..." He whispers. Taylor smirked and look towards Sora.
"Now it's only you Sora. And for the record both of you need to agree." Sora eyes narrows, challenging, but Taylor didn't even flinch under the icy gaze. She turns to David's pleading expression.
"I'm sure we'll be just fine without it David. We're just going to need to work a bit harder, that's all." She said gently.
"Maybe I will. But you may not be." David whispers. Taylor tilts her head till her eyes are no longer visible, lips parting till they show teeth.
"He's right; you two are going to need these if you want to turn your homework on time."
"How... many questions are we talking?" Sora tentatively asks. Taylor let out a laugh.
"Three sections, 40 question each. And rumor has it that there's going to be a pop quiz after you turn it in."
Sora suppresses the growl that was bubbling in her throat, and closes her eyes. Not really liking how Taylor managed to trap David and her into a corner like this, forcing the two of them to choose: flunk one of the more difficult classes available, or going to a place that they hold little interest in going.
"You're evil, you know that right?"
"Yep, and there's nothing you can do to change it." She said with a wink. Sora sighs, fingers running through her hair.
"All right fine, I'll go... Just don't make me regret this." Taylor pumps her fist, throwing the notes at David.
"Yes! Trust me you won't." David opens the folded piece of paper, wanting to see if the bargain was worth it. Only to let out a little sad hum at what he saw.
"These are blank Taylor..." David stated. Taylor eyes widen. She grabs the paper back.
"What! No those are..." She flips through each of the pages. Realizing that they were she looks up nervously to see Sora staring at her, her arms cross. She let out an embarrass chuckle, slowly moving out of her seat. "…Must have left them in my locker. Uh, be right back!"
Their friend scurries off faster than either of them has seen. Braids bouncing as Taylor race toward the nearest door, leaving David and Sora alone. Sora sighed, gently massage her temples. While David stared at what was left of his lunch. His eyes darted up to Sora on the occasion. A few minutes passed, silence filled the void between them until David whispered, his hands playing with an unused napkin.
"Um... Sora?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you... planning on going to that sanctuary of yours today?" David hesitantly asks.
"It depends on the weather. Why, you want to go?" David nods.
"I didn't really have much of a chance to talk to the Toa on Saturday. And, it's nice and peaceful there, so we could go over there and actually get some homework done without too many distractions. "
"I don't know David. I was thinking of heading toward the library today. Give the Toa a few days to themselves..." David shoulders started to droop. She bit her lip, and then adds slowly. "...but If we keep to ourselves maybe it'll be alright..."
"Ok, here it is." Taylor pants. She opens it one last time to make sure she got the right one before handing it to David. Who just place it into his back pocket. Taylor claps her hands together.
"Now, about the party. You two don't have to worry about the costumes or tickets, I'll take care those. But if you want to by some snacks or a second hot dog you might want to bring some cash..." A bell chimes above, the entire student body to fall silent. Static was heard for a few seconds before the principle said over intercom.
"All students please report to the gymnasium at the start third period for a special announcement. You will not be counted tardy or absent during this time. I repeat all students please report to the gymnasium for a special announcement." The bell chimes once more, and the students resume their conversation. The three look to each other. Taylor voice the one question that was on everyone's mind.
"I wonder what that is all about?"
Soon after the announcement, the bell for third period rang. Everyone slowly made their way toward the gym. Confusion echoing through the crowded halls as Sora, David, and Taylor tried to stick together. They managed to get close to the front of the herd, and thus were able to get decent seats in the center back of the rafters. The rafters slowly fill with students, teachers trying to make people to sit just a bit closer to each other to fit as much people as possible. The principle enters the gym, talking with a lengthy man in former attire.
"Wow, who invited the government stiff?" Taylor jokes. Wheels started to turn inside of Taylor's mind as she said this, she turns to Sora.
"This is what you were freaking out about isn't it?" She asks Sora didn't respond beyond her eyes narrowing, glaring at the newcomer. Taylor began to tremble.
"You should have told me that something like this was going on!" She hisses.
"I wasn't certain what they were. I didn't want you to worry..."
"Could have fooled me, the men in black just waltz right into town and it didn't even cross your mind to tell me that it was happening." She mutters to herself, her fist clenched.
"I was going to tell you eventually." Sora said softly. Taylor scoffs. Everyone watch the man walk toward the center of the basketball court in mirror of the principle. "This is bad..." David whimpers between them.
The principle taps the microphone. "Students, I apologize for taking you away from your classes..." he glances to the man next to him before continuing. " But we've been asked by the government to allow the chance to talk to you about something important. Now give Agent Bishop your upmost respect."
"Kind of a generic name wouldn't you think..." Taylor snorts, Sora rolled her eyes. Even angry her friend can't help to make a comment it seems. Bishop steps up front and center, head held up high, and brought up the second microphone closer to his face.
"Thank you, my name is Agent Scott Bishop of homeland security. I am certain that some of you have notice a few of my men around town the past couple of days. And while my superiors would prefer to keep this hushed up, I believe that the inhabitants deserve to have a right to know."
"Finally going to tell us if Bigfoot exist or not huh?" Someone shout from the crowd this got a couple of chuckles.
"What's the point in coming here? We're in the middle of nowhere." a freshman asks behind them. Taylor clenched her teeth, as more students add comments with growing volume.
"Taylor..." Sora places a hand on her shoulder shaking her head. Taylor glares at her, shrug the hand off with force. She cups her hands, and yells.
"If you're looking for ninja turtles, go back to New York!" one of the teachers snap his head in their direction, Taylor drop her hands into her lap, pretending that she didn't do anything wrong.
"Refrain from making any more comments until the announcement is over." The principle shouts in the microphone. Agent Scott began to walk, taking in the faces of the crowd as he spoke in a serious tone.
"Friday night, one of our passing by satellites detected a large spike of radiation in the area..." The student body uproars at hearing this. Several of the students clasp their ears in pain, while still managing to voice their own concerns. All across the gym, teachers try to quell the students with little success.
"Radiation, Are we going to die?!" someone screams.
"I'm too young to lose all my hair!"
"Doctors! We need doctors!"
"That's a load of bull... satellites can't detect radiation from the ground. Did they really peg all of us to be that gullible?" Taylor grumble could barely be heard among the ruckus.
"Take a look around. Besides, I pretty sure you're the only one who knows that." Sora cross her arms, keeping her eyes focus on Scott while he watches everyone lose control. She swore she saw the man's lips twitch into a smirk for a split second as chaos unfolds around them. David pauses from taking deep breaths long enough to whisper.
"But... what if there's some truth to what he said." He side glances to Sora, and spelled out Toa with a trembling hand.
"If the area is radioactive, all three of us would be sick by now." Sora states.
"Yea, you would know all about radiation poisoning wouldn't you." Taylor growl. Sora bit her lip, fighting the urge to comment on Taylors jab, to take her focus off the man up front.
"Calm down, the next person who says anything gets detention for the rest of the week." The principle shouts. His words were lost to the crowd. Smith let out a sighed, and holds up his hand. The rabble quelled, if only to be replace by the entire gym sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for the stranger's next words.
"The amount of radiation is nothing harmful I assure you, just enough for us to warrant an investigation into why such a thing exists." Everyone let out a breath of relief.
"However, I must ask for some assistance from the locals. We have yet to rule out a terrorist organization as a cause, and I lack the man power to be keeping an eye on every street. If you have any information, please take it me or one of my men. I promise you that we'll be easy to locate." He gestures to himself, and a few people let out a nervous laugh.
"You heard it from Agent Bishop, if you see any suspicious activity please report it to the proper authorities. The sooner they complete their investigation; the sooner things go back to normal. Any questions?" Everyone shook their head. "In a few minutes a bell will dismiss you all to return to class. Until then, sit tight."
The principle turns off his microphone and left side by side with agent Bishop. Teachers without the next period free were quick to follow, the emergency gathering let them in a pinch to get their lessons on the board before the students arrive. Leaving the student body alone with a hand full of adults. Taylor stood up, gathering her things with jerky movements.
"I'll see you two around." She grunts, and walks straight out of the gym, pushing pass the lone teacher that tried to stop her from leaving.
"So I take it we're going to the library then?" David chimes sadly. Sora didn't respond. Her gaze still lingers at where agent Bishop exited while everyone gather their things in preparation to leave.
What a twisted web of lies you weave... question is, how do you plan use it to catch your prey...
Now entering the generic government stiff. Will he stick around till the end, or is he just a place holder until some real villains show up? I haven't decided yet.
Ok, now the last few reviews have some questions, and I'm want to respond to them here starting from this chapter forward. If you guys don't want me to do this, then this will be the first and last place you'll see this taking place.
Species Unknown: I wouldn't call it 'blood' per-say, more like nutrition filled protodermis for the organs that is being forced out of the body. I was trying to get around the fact that Bionicle don't have blood. But if you think it's red, then it's probably red.
Comment person: I'm glad you're liking it so far, and I hope that this story continues to live up to your expectations. As for Hahli/Jaller moments... I really love that couple and I'm trying to add some of those in here and there. but sadly I fear that it may come out as a little more force then I like.
Anyway, I hope that you enjoy this chapter. Like always feel free to leave a review and ways I could improve. Until next time.