CHAPTER NINETEEN: TELLING THE OTHERS

Gali sped into the clearing where Vakama and Tahu were still waiting. She looked up at the red Turaga, "I found him," she gasped, "And he's agreed to give it a week to think over his plans."

Vakama nodded, stroking the chin of his mask thoughtfully. "Tahu… summon the other Toa. Gali needs to explain the situation to them."

Tahu turned away and sped off, changing to his Kakama. After they'd obtained the Great Masks of Speed, they had been the primary use of transportation across Mata-Nui. Vakama shook his head, turning back to Gali. "You saw something else, did you not?" he inquired, seating himself, "Why don't you tell me what you saw?"

Gali related what she had seen with Kopaka, and Vakama listened intently. This was the first time he had heard of the Toa before they had come to Mata-Nui. "Honestly," Gali said, "I couldn't remember anything before coming here. Seeing those memories, though…" she gave a wistful sigh, "…it made me remember some things."

Vakama looked up as the other five Toa sped into the clearing. Takanuva, mumbling at his luck at not having a Kakama, was clinging to Tahu's back like a limpet. Both parties looked equally displeased.

The orange Turaga stood up, dusting off his ceremonial robe, and faced the Toa. All of them realized the severity of the situation based upon the look on his face. "Toa," he began, "Through Kopaka's use of the Vahi, and Gali's willingness to relate what she has seen, I have seen your pasts."

Some of the Toa (namely Onua and Lewa) looked at each other in surprise, while the remainder just waited for the next words. Tahu, however, was outraged.

"That snowman stole my Vahi?" he yelled, sounding incredibly immature, "That was mine!"

Vakama strode over and thumped Tahu in the forehead with his staff again. "If you don't recall, Tahu… after your use of the Vahi, it disappeared. Kopaka has more than likely recovered it. It is that simple."

Tahu rubbed his sore head, glaring at Vakama. "Give me that!" he muttered, snatching the staff from Vakama and earning himself an outraged cry from the short Turaga.

"Give that back, Tahu!" he cried, jumping at the staff, but to no avail. Tahu twirled the staff between his fingers and turned to Gali.

"How is he?"

Gali was surprised to hear those words from Tahu, but answered anyway.

"He's still contemplating leaving Mata-Nui, but not because of you, Tahu. He…" she looked at Vakama, who had reclaimed his staff, unsure of whether or not to continue.

"They have the right to know, Gali."

"…he seeks absolution for a crime that wasn't his. I think… I think that's why he doesn't like any of us."

Onua made an odd sound and stepped forward, "Kopaka doesn't hate us, Gali. Kopaka is just... Kopaka…"

Gali shook her head, frustrated. "A Matoran died in front of him. A Matoran, I might add, who loved him. He… he is trying to repent for her death. That's why he's a Toa now – to seek absolution! Don't you see that?"

Pohatu stepped forward, distraught at seeing Gali in her current state of near-tears. "Gali, I believe you. There had to be some other reason he was colder than any other Ko-Matoran. Is there anything we can do?"

Gali looked up at him, "…I don't know…"

Vakama smiled slightly, "That is where it helps to have a wise Turaga present," he said, seating himself once again on the steps of the Kini-Nui. "You must convince Kopaka not to leave. Unfortunately, that may be easier said than done. Kopaka is… well… stubborn, at best."

Gali resisted the urge to hit Vakama, but nodded. "I will go see him again."

She used the Huna, just like Kopaka had done, and vanished from the glade. The other Toa looked at Vakama.

"Wise-Turaga…" said Lewa, shuffling uncertainly, "…what do you think-say we do about Gali and Kopaka's friend-love?"

Onua popped Lewa in the back of the head, and Pohatu snorted in laughter. Vakama fixed them with a stare. "We do nothing. They must figure this out for themselves."