Part way through the night, Pohatu woke feeling thirsty and silently headed for the kitchen to get something to quench it. While he stood there, thinking of how he could help Turaga Anuenue a faint noise reached him, "Who's there?" the Toa of Stone softly asked, then when he got no reply went to see who had woken.

A movement caught his eye as he entered the hall and he moved toward it, "Sister is everything alright?" the brown hue Toa called to the Turaga as she opened the door and stepped outside. When she didn't reply, he hurried after her and as he reached the sleepwalking Turaga, she reached Onewa's and reached out to open the door. Pausing for a moment, Pohatu wondered what was happening then quickly went inside and closed the door shutting out the chill night air, before looking to see where Anuenue had gone.

Looking round anxiously, Pohatu was relieved to find that Turaga Anuenue had settled on the couch, "Sister can you hear me?" he asked softly while glancing round the living room as memories of spending time with Onewa threatened to overwhelm him. For several minutes nothing happened so he decided to fetch blankets for them, then he stifled a yelp as a glow began to form in the centre of the room, which coalesced, into the spirit of Turaga Onewa.

He glanced over to Pohatu, who closed his mouth with a snap, then Onewa raised a finger to his mouth before he turned to where Anuenue sat, her hands resting on her lap. As the spirit Turaga reached Anuenue, she slowly held her symbol-marked hand out to him.

Pohatu watched amazed as Onewa took his sister's hand in his and the glow around him shifted to surround them both. While the Toa of Stone watched in amazement, he thought he could hear Turaga Onewa speaking, but was unable to make out the words.

Several minutes passed, then Onewa gently released his sister's hand, which slipped back onto her lap, and then the Turaga of Colour relaxed onto the couch, curling up as she did.

Onewa glanced over to Pohatu as he moved to stand beside the spirit Turaga, "Anuenue will need some blankets." Onewa murmured while the glow around him began growing stronger, "I'll watch over her too." Pohatu replied managing a smile as his oldest friend chuckled quietly. "Sleep well brother." Onewa replied before he vanished into the glow, which then faded away.

Pohatu stood in thought for a few moments then went to fetch the blankets, wrapping a couple around Anuenue, he smiled as she muttered in her sleep and snuggled deeper into them. Settling back in the chair he'd picked, Pohatu wrapped the remaining blankets round his shoulders and as he drifted back to sleep his last thought was, "Who activated the lightstones?"

...

A soft noise woke the Toa of Stone and as he blinked sleep from his eyes, Pohatu realized that Turaga Anuenue was crying quietly while trying to stifle her tears. Still half asleep, he shifted to sit beside his friend and gently hugged her until she'd finished crying and dried her mask.

"When did I get here?" Anuenue enquired when she'd regained her composure and stopped hugging her brown hued brother tightly. While he explained, Pohatu fetched them something to eat and drink then, when she insisted, sat beside the Turaga of Colour.

"Sister where are you?" Aikane's voice reached Anuenue just as she and Pohatu finished eating, so while the Turaga of Colour replied, the Toa of Stone took the dishes and mugs back to the kitchen.

"Can you come over? Onewa gave me a message for you." Anuenue added while she folded the blankets up and put them away before going into Onewa's bedroom. After she'd looked around the room, memories flowing through her mind, Turaga Anuenue walked over to her brother's neatly made bed where lay five rows of wrapped and labelled gifts.

"Sister, everyone's here. Are you...ah." Pohatu murmured when he saw what the Turaga of Colour was looking at. "Help me carry them through to the living room please." Anuenue murmured, glancing up at her brown hued brother.

Quietly, Pohatu scooped three of the rows leaving Turaga Anuenue to gather up the remaining six gifts, and then they returned to the living room.

Once they'd set the gifts down, the Turaga of Colour glanced around at their brothers and sisters, "These are for the midwinter festival." she said while taking a seat beside Kokua, who hugged her tightly.

"Sister, would you mind if I stay with Lewa for a while?" Kokua shyly asked while the others quietly talked about what Turaga Onewa had told their sister. "Not at all, he will need you close." Anuenue whispered, making certain no one heard her. Kokua nodded and thanked her sister just as Lewa, Malie and Solisha hurried to join the group, "It's chilly-cold." Malie signed, grinning cheekily at Kopaka. While they warmed up, the three listened as Turaga Anuenue and Pohatu told them about what had occurred the previous night.

"But what about our fellow Toa Voya and the Rahaga?" Solisha asked while Malie nodded in agreement, the Turaga smiled sadly, "I think we should let the matoran go first and then wait for our brothers and sisters to return."

The Toa glanced at each other, while Kokua shifted closer to Lewa, then Tahu bowed to Anuenue, "That is a wise decision Turaga." he said, managing a grin when she blushed, "What now colour-sis?" Lewa asked when Anuenue stood up.

Moving to where Onua stood looking out the window, the Turaga of Colour murmured, "We head for Onu-metru." The Toa of Earth smiled sadly and bowed to her while the others prepared to leave Onewa's home.

Looking around the square, Turaga Anuenue wasn't surprised to see the Po-matoran had gathered and were waiting to hear what she had to say. Everyone then listened as Turaga Anuenue spoke, "Onewa said that everyone in this metru can pick one of his possessions and re-home it."

A murmur of astonishment echoed around the square followed by hushed chatter. Several minutes later, Hewkii, Olcas and Rahal came forward, "We all think that you should go first and we'll wait until the Toa Voya and Rahaga return." Hewkii said while his friends nodded in agreement. "So be it." Turaga Anuenue and Pohatu thanked the matoran while their brothers and sisters headed for the chute station, Lewa and Kokua having gone ahead.

xXx

"Aikane, how's Tahu coping?" the Turaga softly asked as they journeyed through the chute towards Onu-metru, "Still bottling his feelings up. I think he's waiting to get back to Ta-metru." her violet hued sister replied. Both then glanced to where the red hued Toa was gazing out at the landscape flowing under the chute, his eyes distant and troubled. When the main station came into sight, Aikane shifted closer to Tahu and she gently squeezed his hand.
Watching her friends hug, Turaga Anuenue was jolted from her thoughts when Onua tapped her shoulder, glancing curiously up at her brother, Anuenue raised an eyebrow then glanced down at herself when he gestured to her robe.

"It's happened again!" the Turaga of Colour exclaimed, causing Aikane to hide a smile, while Gali and Amaya looked round in surprise before they exited the chute. "Wow, when did that happen?" Takanuva asked while Tehutti and Onepu bowed to them. "When we crossed the Po-metru border." Onua replied as the Turaga examined her now ebon hued form and robe curiously, "I still don't know how it's happening." Anuenue replied absently, her gaze drifting in the direction of the archives.

Pausing to let her brothers and sisters go ahead, Aikane smiled, "Father must have his reasons." she mused as Tahu glanced back at his closefriend, waiting for her to catch up. "Do you have any idea as to why Anuenue's changing colour?" the fiery Toa whispered as they followed their brothers and sisters towards the Onu-metru main square..
"Not fully, Father said I should watch over Anuenue. But didn't go into any detail." the violet hued Toa replied, slipping her arm through Tahu's just as Kopaka glanced back to see where they were. "Turaga Anuenue and Onua went on to the archives." he said when they caught up with him.

xXx

While they soared towards the coliseum, Kokua felt droplets of rain hitting her back and called out to Lewa that she would take shelter in the tower until the storm passed. "You don't mind if I quick-speed ahead?" the Toa of Air asked while the rain grew heavier as they raced for the coliseum, "Only if you..." the Torahka replied, blushing as she drew level with her closefriend, Lewa grinned and nodded.

Landing in the arena, they hugged before dashing inside the entrance hall, "I'll join you when the rain stops." Kokua reassured the lanky Toa when he asked if she'd be alright. He then hugged her again before dashing out into the rain and took off, soaring towards Le-metru.

Silently, Kokua watched him until she could no longer see her closefriend any more before she glanced round the entrance hall. A few minutes later, Kokua wandered through to the conference room and settled on one of the couches. While she watched the rain pelting against the windows, the hybrid thought about all that Nokama had told her. Eventually, a sob escaped the Torahka and she buried her face in her arms and cried for her friends.

A gentle hand stroked Kokua's back as she wept then gently gathered the Torahka into the watcher's arms. Gulping and trying to stifle her tears, Kokua found she was now being cuddled by Rhya Nui. The dusky Great Spirit smiled and gently began wiping the tears from Kokua's face while the hybrid looked up at her in surprise.

"It'll be alright, winged singer." Rhya murmured softly when Kokua blushed when she realized that the dusky Great Spirit had her now sitting on her lap and was softly humming. "Relax, a nap will help and it is still raining." she added, brushing her hand lightly over Kokua's forehead while the hybrid tried to slip onto the couch beside the dusky Great Spirit.

"But Lewa..." Kokua began to say then found she just couldn't keep her eyes open as the melody drew the grieving Torahka into dreamless sleep. Watching Kokua as she sighed and curled up in her lap, Rhya Nui finished singing and glanced over to where the gems lay.

...

"It's finally stopped raining, Kokua." Rhya's melodious voice softly roused the sleeping Torahka and as she sat up blinking drowsily she realized only a couple of hours had passed. "It got really heavy half an hour ago." the dusky Great Spirit added when the Torahka moved to stand beside her as she gazed out the windows.

"Sorry for my outburst." Kokua whispered, blushing deeply when Rhya glanced curiously at her, "It's alright, it's what everyone needs to begin healing." she replied before turning to look at the table where the gems sat. "Come over here." Rhya Nui murmured while her eyes glowed brighter and she moved towards the table. Mystified, Kokua followed the dusky Great Spirit over to the table, "Let me see your bracelet." she added after several minutes, holding her hand out.

Now totally baffled, Kokua removed her bracelet and placed it in the dusky Great Spirit's hand.

Smiling enigmatically, Rhya Nui picked up the gems then placed her hands together and as a glow formed between her palms, she watched Kokua while the light grew to cover her hands with incandescent light.

"The Turaga would like you to look after these." the dusky Great Spirit explained when the light finally faded and then she smiled gently at Kokua's wondering expression. After fastening the bracelet back around Kokua's wrist, Rhya watched as the hybrid silently examined the gems, which were now part of her bracelet. Still bemused, Kokua nodded then she stood up and bowed to the dusky Great Spirit, whom stood up and moved to join her, "Lewa's waiting for you." Rhya Nui murmured softly while they headed for the entrance.

After she'd bowed again to Rhya, Kokua was just about to spread her wings when the dusky Great Spirit suddenly raised her hand. Turning to look up at her, the Torahka was surprised when she was caught up in a hug. Tentatively Kokua hugged Rhya Nui back and managed a smile when Rhya set her back down.

"Take care winged singer." the dusky Great Spirit whispered as she watched Kokua soaring towards Le-metru, then she wrapped light around her and returned to the spirit realm.

Soaring through the chilly air, Kokua raced for Le-metru wanting to be with her closefriend more than ever. As she shot over the metru she was spotted by Speur, who, thinking his winged friend was here for fun, roared excitedly and sped after her.

Unaware of her companion, Kokua scanned the ground seeking any sign of Lewa; she then dove towards a small square having spotted a glimpse of his lanky green form. Puzzled by his friend's actions, Speur circled around a few times, then flew away to find someone else to chase.

"Featherheart." Lewa grinned as Kokua landed and hurried over to throw her arms round his shoulders, making him blush. "It was just as well you waited the storm out. I was totally soggy-wet by the time I got here." the Toa of Air explained as they walked towards his home.

As the Toa and Torahka made their way to the main square, several matoran asked how Turaga Anuenue was doing while others insisted on showing them what they had planned for the midwinter festival.

"It still seems strange-odd." Tahchi said when he and Kongu joined Lewa and Kokua as they reached the main square, "I know." the green hued Toa murmured absently, his eyes fixed on Matau's home.

Seeing that their Toa was distracted, the matoran murmured quietly to Kokua and when she agreed, they headed off for their homes. Turning back to her closefriend once she'd waved to her friends, Kokua was surprised to find she was standing alone as Lewa was now standing outside Matau's.

Hurrying to his side, Kokua remembered what Anuenue had whispered to her, "Beloved, the suns are setting and it's going to get colder." the hybrid said, tugging her closefriend's arm. Startled, the Toa of Air blinked as he was pulled from his memories then he managed to smile at Kokua and hid his grief as he laughed, caught her hand and they hurried into his home.

After fixing something to eat and drink, Lewa and Kokua settled in the living room and quietly talked about what had taken place at the coliseum.

They were just finishing when there was a knock at the door, surprised, Lewa went to see how was there and returned a few moments later returned with Houjin. The mint/dark green hued matoran bowed politely before accepting a seat, "Erm I was wondering if you would like to hear-listen to something I've been working on." he muttered, flushing slightly as he glanced up at the curious Toa and Torahka.

"I'd love to." Kokua replied with a smile while Lewa nodded in agreement and perched on the arm of the couch. Taking out his portable keyboard, Houjin set it on the table.

The melody rising from the keyboard swirled around the living room and as Kokua shifted closer, enjoying the music, neither noticed as Lewa switched to his Huna and slipped out the room, heading for the bench where he and Turaga Matau used to swap jokes.

"Oh that was beautiful. Will you be playing it at the midwinter festival?" Kokua asked while Houjin began packing his keyboard away. "I think so. Did you like it Toa Lewa? " he replied, then when there was no reply both glanced around puzzled, "Lewa?"

"It's alright, I'll look for him, you go and get some rest." Kokua murmured reassuringly while they headed for the front door, "Thank you. We're all feeling sad-empty and are looking forward to seeing Turaga Anuenue."

"I will let her know." the Torahka replied, hugging Houjin before watching him heading for his home.

Glancing up at the moons, Kokua shivered in the chill wind and closed the door firmly before going to see where Lewa had gone. Sighing as she spotted her closefriend sitting on the bench he'd share with Turaga Matau, Kokua sighed and went to join the mournful Toa.

" I wondered where you got to," Kokua said, sitting beside the Toa of Air. "It's cold out here, are you okay?"
"I'm sure-fine," he said in a quavering voice that didn't deceive the hybrid at all, "Just watching the stars," he added, his voice breaking slightly on the last word.
"Want some company?" Kokua asked, watching Lewa stare up at the stars in an attempt to gain control of his emotions.
"I...I, oh," he choked, suddenly burying his mask in his hands. The Toa of Air's shoulders were rigid and quivering as he tried not to let his pent up grief overcome him. Kokua sighed helplessly, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Hey, it's alright," she murmured when her closefriend tried ineffectually to stifle a sob. "Let it go, I'm here,"

Kokua stared morosely ahead as she held the lanky green Toa while he cried, unable to do anything more than offer comfort and a shoulder to cry on, as he had done for her not so long ago.
Feels like millennia ago, she thought, shivering as an icy wind rustled through the trees. Eventually Lewa's sobs faded and he sat up, rubbing his puffy eyes with a watery smile.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled embarrassedly. "I've needed to do that but it didn't seem right."
"It's alright," Kokua said again, rubbing her own eyes. "I guess it will take a while to sink in that they're just not here any more,"
"Tell me about it," Lewa said softly, catching a hold of Kokua's hand. "I woke up this morning, fully expecting one of Matau's booby traps to fall on my head,"
"I know, I'm still expecting to see Nokama working in her garden in the afternoon...then I realise she's gone, she'll -" Kokua stared at the sky, blinking back tears. "You've started me off now," she muttered darkly.
"I didn't mean to," the Toa of Air said, moving to hug her. The Torahka smiled and huddled against him.
"Mind if we go inside? I'm freezing out here,"
Lewa chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and leading her inside.

...

Kokua was curled up on the sofa with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders when Lewa reappeared, carrying two mugs with a dark brown liquid in them.
"Try this," he said, handing her one and sitting next to her. He pulled a blanket around his own shoulders and smiled as Kokua took a curious sip from the mug.
"It's wonderful," she said smiling "What is it?"
"Something Matau was working on with Ferinus," he said, taking a long drink from his own mug. "They were trying to grow some sort of tree with beans on it - I think Anuenue said it was called choc - something, I can't remember exactly,"
Kokua yawned widely, finishing her drink.
"It's made me sleepy," she jokingly complained, snuggling closer to Lewa, who put his arm around her shoulders.
"I suppose you're going to use me as a soft-pillow again?" he teased, yawning himself, Kokua nodded with a tired, yet mischievous smile.
"But you're so comfortable," she murmured in a barely audible voice, resting her head on his shoulder. Lewa smiled, softly humming the tune to an old song he knew. Minutes later, his own eyes fluttered shut.

xXx

Waking part way through the night and feeling strangely restless, Gaaki left the room and went up on deck to watch the stars. Moving out of the glow of the lightstones for a clearer view she lent against the railing. "It's been an amazing, if shortened trip. But it'll be good to return to Metru Nui." she thought, watching some wispy clouds blowing across the sky, illuminated by the moon.
"Hey there." Pouks said, coming up behind Gaaki and wrapping his arms around her waist. Gaaki smiled and lent back against him, "I thought you were asleep." she grinned, resting her head on his shoulder and gazing up at the stars. "I thought about it...But it was too pretty up here." Pouks laughed, gently poking the blue Rahaga in the ribs.
"It is pretty," she replied, still watching the sky, "I wish we could see our stars."
"Still shining brightly on the other side of the world." Pouks smiled, "I wish I could see them too."
Gaaki smiled again, "It's still beautiful up there though, I..." the words died in the Rahaga's throat as she noticed seven stars twinkle dimly before winking out one by one.
"What's up?" Pouks asked worriedly as Gaaki started trembling. "Look." she whispered, pointing to the area where the Turaga's spirit stars had, until moments ago, shone, "Wh...Oh no...they've gone," the Rahaga of Stone gasped, "I...Anuenue...is she..."
"H-her star still shines." Gaaki whispered, pointing to where it shimmered.
She turned to her closefriend and tried to smile, "Wake me up." she asked, biting her lip furiously.
Pouks held his closefriend tightly as she began weeping, staring up at the area where seven stars had twinkled in disbelief, until thick clouds coved it. He then realized that the wind was staring to grow in strength, "We've got a storm coming, Gaaki. Come on!"

Swiftly the Rahaga went to rouse the others while Kai lashed the wheel firmly in place before using a couple of lightstones to signal Nixie.

On the second boat, Lerihua was clinging onto the door frame tightly as he swiftly turned pale and his mask green. "You got any of that draught left?" Tein'a asked while Sheranu, Norik, Iruini, Kualus and Macku dashed on deck to prepare the boat.

"J-just taken the last." the Toa Voya of Stone whispered, closing his eyes as a violent movement shook the boat. "Easy bro." Tein'a murmured, quickly moving to support Lerihua as he stumbled, his mask now a ghastly shade.

Just then Sheranu shouted for them to come and help, "I need your help!" the icy Toa retorted as Lerihua fell to his knees, his copper hues now the same colour as his mask.

Jumping down the stairs to where his brothers were, Tein'a now rubbing Lerihua's back, the malachite hued Toa nodded and swiftly crouched on Lerihua's free side, while glancing an apology at Tein'a as he switched masks. The icy Toa had also switched masks while the boat swayed, bucked and heaved in the growing swell.

Carefully they all but dragged the unwell Toa to his feet and practically carried him into their quarters before assisting him into his hammock. "Oooh...please knock me out!" Lerihua moaned while they made certain he wouldn't fall out, "Alright bro." Tein'a replied, as he and Sheranu activated their Komau and coaxed the seasick Toa into sleep.

"Rotten-bad luck to run out of that draught." Sheranu muttered as he and Tein'a hurried on deck to assist the Rahaga and matoran finish preparing for the rapidly approaching storm.