As dawn broke over Metru Nui on the day of the midwinter festival, those who were in charge of the catering began to start work, chatting eagerly amongst themselves.
While those who weren't so culinary inclined, gathered in the main square of each metru, then after talking for several minutes, split into groups and hurried off, excitement in their eyes.
Over in Ta-metru, Anuenue was roused by a persistent squeaking.
Rubbing her eyes, the rainbow hued Turaga found that Ryuu was sitting on the bed watching her curiously.
"Hello little one." Anuenue murmured, still half asleep, as the small Hikaki rubbed his head against her mask then switched to her Kanohi Rau when Ryuu squeaked inquisitively, his head on one side.
*Why aren't you red this time?* Ryuu asked when the rainbow hued wise one enquired as to what he'd said, *Did you prefer me in those colours?* the Turaga of Colour asked when she'd finished explaining about the colour changes she'd undergone.
*It was fun, but you are rainbow* Ryuu squeaked, shifting to one side as Anuenue sat up and glanced around.
The bedroom was empty, its door half open and Turaga Anuenue could hear the Toa chatting from the living room, *Food time, wise one hungry?* the small Hikaki chirruped, nudging her arm.
*Yes, very. Let's go eat before the fiery red one scoffs the lot* the rainbow hued Turaga chuckled, allowing Ryuu to clamber onto her shoulder before leaving the bedroom.
"You looked so comfortable with Ryuu curled against you, we didn't want to wake you, sister." Takanuva said when the Turaga of Colour entered the living room and Ryuu jumped from her shoulder and glided over to the back of a couch.
"He must have sneaked in during the night." Tahu chuckled, pouring a mug of hot chocolate and handing it to Turaga Anuenue when she'd sat down.
"And couldn't resist napping beside you." he added as Ryuu trilled excited when Aikane entered the living room a tray in her hands.
Before the rainbow hued Turaga could have a drink, Ryuu had spread his wings and glided over to the violet hued Toa, landing neatly on her shoulder and peering at the food.
"Yes, your share is there too little one." Aikane laughed as her brothers and sister chuckled at the small Hikaki's antics.
When they had finished, Kokua departed for Le-metru while Tahu and Takanuva walked over to the main chute station with Aikane and Anuenue, "We'll see you at tonight." the Turaga of Colour said, glancing up at her fiery brother as he hugged Aikane, ignoring his light gold brother's snickering.
xXx
Excited chatter reached Aikane and Anuenue as they left the chute and joined the Ga-matoran, most of whom were carrying bundles, "Sorry Turaga, things are a bit more hectic than we planned." Pelagia giggled as they tried to avoid the crush. "As long as no one gets hurt, don't want the fun spoilt." the rainbow hued Turaga laughed, ducking under several poles that Nireta and Rinia carried above their heads to avoid their friends, grinning broadly, while Aikane chuckled. "A bit early for dancing, Turaga." Lari giggled, then laughed as the Turaga activated her mask and added tiny golden flowers to Lari's usual hues.
When the Toa and Turaga left the chute station, the Ga-matoran were guessing what colours they would be wearing once the festival really got going.
Up on reaching the main square. Aikane and Anuenue joined Suna, who'd been keeping Wotzit and Rei amused and made a fuss of the rahi before entering Anuenue's home. Going through to her bedroom, Anuenue carefully removed the flower from her robe and then wove it into the one laid out on her bed. "Will you ever get that tassel replaced?" Aikane enquired, gesturing to the shorter one as her sister placed the robe back and joined her. A low chuckle escaped Anuenue, "No sis, Nuju liked it." she murmured, pouring out drinks for them.
"We'll go over at sundown." she added as they sipped the mint flavoured hot chocolate and watched the fluffy clouds moving across the sky, "Sounds good, I'm guessing the others will do the same." Aikane replied, draining her mug then she chuckled, "Mind you, I bet that Lewa, Sheranu and Malie will go early and cause some kind of mayhem."
"That's true, and it might end up, us arriving to find them trussed up and decorated with left over bunting." Anuenue snickered, placing her half full mug down before sighing as her mood became reflective. "The first midwinter festival without the other Turaga." she whispered, fighting an unexpected wave of grief, "We will be with you, sis." the Toa of Twilight said, gently pulling Anuenue close for a hug. "Thanks sis." Aikane heard Anuenue whisper as she watched several small birds hopping around the nearby tree, pecking at the food hung out for them.
Hugging Anuenue closer, Aikane said nothing, knowing she'd feel exactly the same should anything happen to Tahu, "I think we should get ready for the festival" Anuenue suddenly commented, pushing the grief away and managed a chuckle as one small bird managed to peck out a piece of food nearly as big as itself. "Greedy squeak." she laughed as the bird then somehow managed to flutter onto the window ledge and pecked enthusiastically at the morsel while peering up at those watching it, "Bold too." Aikane chuckled as the bird hopped closer and then pecked at the window pane before returning to its feast.
Anuenue changed her robe and smoothed it down then glanced up at Aikane, "You gonna wear your flower, sis?" she asked, smiling as the violet hued Toa blushed. "Well it would fluster Tahu." Aikane snickered as they left Anuenue's and headed for hers, waving to the matoran who were heading for the chute station.
The air of anticipation was growing stronger as midday turned to afternoon and the matoran hurried home to get ready and collect the gifts they'd made for their friends. Listening to the happy chatter as they tied to keep themselves occupied, Turaga Anuenue and Aikane smiled at each other, "Something tells me we should head off shortly, the chutes will be heaving."
"I think now's as good a time as any." the violet hued Toa chuckled as she tucked the silver lily into her mask, then both smiled as they sisters 'said' they were starting over to the coliseum. "See you there." Anuenue and Aikane 'replied' as they left the Toa of Twilight's home and followed several chatting matoran, who smiled and greeted them.
As the Turaga of Colour had predicted the main chute station was bustling with matoran carrying small bags and waiting for their turn to head to the coliseum.
xXx
Over in Ko-metru, several matoran were carrying large bags and quietly chatting about what might happen to their friends form Le-metru while waiting their turn to enter the chute.
xXx
"Hang on tight Ryuu." Jaller murmured as he reached the chute and then nodded as the small Hikaki firmly wrapped his tail around Jaller's arm. Ryuu then watched as the area around him and his friend turned a transparent green and they headed for the coliseum.
xXx
Sitting the conference room, the Rahaga listened to the sounds of the matorans' arrival drifting through an open window, "Shall we go and join-meet them or wait-stay for our colour-bright sister?" Iruini asked as he moved to watch the steadily growing throng. Joining their green hued brother, Norik and Bomonga smiled at the sight of matoran hurriedly putting the final preparations in place, "Let them finish, bro." Norik replied, glancing over to where Kualus was pacing back and forth muttering under his breath. "You really should tell Anuenue." the red hued Rahaga said when Kualus realized he had an audience and flushed as Gaaki offered him a drink, understanding in her eyes. "But what if?" their icy brother protested weakly before swallowing some of his drink, "Bro, I'm bet-guessing our colour-bright sister will be flattered." came the reply before Iruini lent further out the window to watch the matoran.
A loud cheer went up as the Toa of Air entered the arena and not long after, just as Anuenue predicted, Lewa, Sheranu and Malie had been tied up in spare bunting. While several Le-matoran danced around the Air Toa, those from Ta-, Po- and Ko-metru arrived and chuckled wryly at their brothers predicament before heading over to the tower. "Think we should go and untie them?" Hakinu commented as they chatted with the Rahaga in the entrance hall and then placed the gifts they'd made for their friends on a table, "Na, they'll be all right. Listen." Tahu chuckled glancing towards the entrance, just audible was Lewa's voice singing something that, when he paused the matoran joined in.
They were still singing when the rest of the Toa, Kokua and Turaga Anuenue arrived and watched from the entrance hall of the coliseum, "Let's go join the Rahaga and our brothers before sorting the airheads out." the rainbow hued Turaga chuckled moving towards the corridor leading to the tower.
None of those singing had noticed their friends arrival and the Toa had time to set their gifts down and have a brief chat before the sound of all the matoran chanting, "Why are we waiting?" reached them. "Must have caught a glimpse of you at the window sis." Bomonga chuckled as Anuenue muttered, "Should never have taught Ahonui that." a huge grin on her mask.
Walking out onto the balcony, the Turaga of Colour, flanked by the Toa of Light and Colour and peered around at those watching her before she smiled, "I thought this was a midwinter festival?" she called out. A murmur went through the crowd, "Was that a yes?" Anuenue said, feigning bafflement, several voices called out that it was. "Well I've got a small complaint," at this a groan went up, "You're not making enough noise!" she yelled before Takanuva and Amaya raised their hands and illuminated the sky above the arena.
There was a brief surprised silence and then laughter erupted from the matoran and as Turaga Anuenue returned inside, Takanuva and Amaya switched their masks and levitated down to join in the party.
…
The party was in full swing ans Turaga Anuenue had moved to watch from the steps leading up to the crystal orb, while watching Gali and Kopaka dancing, she thought back to the party held when they'd returned from rescuing Aikane and the dance she'd had with Nuju.
Three of the Rahaga glanced over to where she sat and then conferred amongst themselves, "Kualus, go and sit with her. You don't have to say anything, just keep our sister company." Norik managed to say before Dalu and Pelagia dragged him and Bomonga into the dancing matoran.
Halfway across the arena, the Toa of Twilight smiled as she caught a glimpse of the white hued Rahaga moving to sit beside Anuenue then giggled as Tahu pulled her close. "It's a great party, the fiery Toa said, passing his closefriend a beaker of juice. Accepting it, Aikane laughed softly. "I wouldn't be surprised if they are watching at the moment." she replied, glancing over to where the Po-matoran band finished their set.
Kokua was taking a breather while sitting on the roof of the tower entrance hall and wondered if her rainbow hued sisters would switch everyone's colours when there was a green blur and Lewa landed beside his closefriend. "Malie wonders if you're still ok to play-sing with him and Solis later." the lanky Toa grinned while Kokua giggled as he gently tickled her wing, "Yes of course. I hope everyone likes it." she replied mysteriously as they hugged and then left the roof to go and locate their peridot hued brother.
Her eyes misted with memory, Anuenue didn't realize Kualus had joined her or that a tear had trickled down her mask and landed in the flower fastened to her robe. Hesitantly, Kualus shifted closer to the oblivious Turaga as another tear formed and slid down to join the first, then he gently placed his arm around her shoulders.
Sighing deeply, the Turaga of Colour rubbed her eyes and then smiled at her icy brother, "We should join them, the matoran are hopeful I'll switch their colours." Anuenue murmured, the white Rahaga nodded, then decided that he would tell his friend his feelings, "Sis, there is something I need to tell you."
Being closest to the stairs, Gaaki and Pouks were chatting with several matoran, including Eilek and Tanami and glanced up to where their brother and sister sat, Anuenue's eyes growing wide with surprise. Kualus finished speaking and nervously for Anuenue to reply, the Turaga's deep aqua eyes blinking rapidly as she turned to gaze out over the arena.
"Oh spirits I've ruined everything." he thought worriedly as seconds stretched to minutes, then realized there was a faint blush covering his sister's mask. Silently Anuenue gazed at Kualus, having no idea what to say to reassure the worried Rahaga, then whispered, "Thank you." Gently she hugged him, "It took a lot for you to say that." she added, still not sure how to reply to his admission.
"There's something else I should tell you." the Rahaga of Ice said suddenly when Anuenue went to stand up, sitting down again, the Turaga of Colour smiled, "You have my full attention brother." she commented, wondering why he looked so unhappy all of a sudden.
"Back when I was a Toa Hagah, I too had a closefriend, Ikara. Spirits she was beautiful, midnight blue form and amethyst eyes." Kualus sighed, closing his eyes against the pain even though it had been many years since he'd last seen her.
Shocked, Anuenue hugged Kualus as he shuddered, wondering what had happened, "She fell during a battle with those who sought to overthrow the Great Spirit. I heard later, having gone to look for Ikara, that those in command of the enemy forces were dragged before the Makuta, before being taken by someone called Botar. I eventually found her, surrounded by dead enemies but...but dying from multiple wounds."
By now, tears streamed down the white Rahaga's face as he finally told someone other than his brothers and sister of his loss, "Ikara had enough strength to smile at me before she entered into legend. Her last battle had been to stay alive long enough to say farewell."
"Oh brother." the shocked Turaga whispered, pulling him into a tight embrace, ignoring the tears running down her mask, "Sis, what's going on?" Amaya called as Kualus hugged Anuenue in return.
xXx
In the spirit realm, two spirits glanced at each other and smiled, "They love us too much to become closefriends, but will be a great comfort to each other." the midnight blue Toa commented as Nuju shifted to sit beside her.
xXx
"Come and join us, and bring something to drink. I think Kualus will need it." the rainbow hued Turaga called back, rubbing her friend's back as he wiped his tears away. Snagging a jug and some beakers from the nearest table, Amaya picked her way towards the stairs, promising her friends that it wouldn't be long before she and Anuenue would change their colours. Glancing around from his conversation with Jaller and Hahli, Takanuva whistled and laughed as his closefriend blushed as she passed close by.
Finally making the stairs, Amaya joined her sister and poured out drinks for everyone before glancing closer at the white hued Rahaga, "Are you all right with Anuenue telling me?" she asked once he'd drained his beaker and she'd refilled it. Gazing into its depths, Kualus nodded and sipped at the juice while Anuenue began repeating what she'd been told.
"Oh Kualus, that's awful." the rainbow hued Toa whispered when the Turaga of Colour finished and he absently gazed up at the spirit stars, "It took me a long time to get over her loss. Norik and the others helped as best they could." he replied as they started down the stairs and Anuenue began weaving through the partying matoran, changing their colours and decorating others with small designs.
Sensing that someone other than her delighted friends was watching her, the rainbow hued Turaga glanced around at her brothers and sisters then smiled as Kualus reached out to squeeze her shoulder, "Thanks for listening, I-I'll understand if you don't want to..." he whispered, a faint pink blush colouring his cheeks. Startled by what she'd just heard, Amaya decided to continue altering her friends colours.
The Turaga of Colour blushed, still uncertain of how to reply, "Er, em, are you asking me to be your closefriend?" she finally managed to ask. At that question, Kualus blushed and hugged her before speaking, "No, no, just that we keep each other company from time to time." Feeling relieved, the rainbow hued Turaga nodded, though she still looked anxious, "Mind if I go and get Taka back for embarrassing me earlier?" Amaya asked, sensing that both her sister and Kualus needed a bit of time to collect their thoughts.
"Come on Solis, feather-sis. Our turn-go." Malie signed before dashing for the stage as the Po-metru band finished their set. An excited buzz ran through those in the arena as the Ko-matoran gave the Toa a hand up while Kokua flew up to help her friends. For several moments, Malie showed his closefriend and Kokua where he wanted them to stand and then readied his flute.
A soft lilting melody rippled out from the stage and was echoed by Solisha and Kokua, then it grew in strength to flow around their friends as it kept changing pitch and tempo. As the tune swept around Kualus and Anuenue, the Rahaga slipped his hand around the Turaga's and when she looked around from watching the singers and flautist, smiled gently. Shifting closer to him, Anuenue sighed wishing her closefriend was there, then when someone tapped her shoulder glanced around as a familiar chuckle reached her, the Rahaga nudged each other as the glowing form of Turaga Nuju was joined by a taller midnight blue hued spirit Toa.
While Kualus gazed lovingly at his closefriend's spirit, Anuenue shifted closer to Nuju, her eyes glowing longingly as she reached out to him.
"Watch this beloved." Ikara murmured as the Mahiki she now wore began glowing and she shifted her form until it looked similar to Gaaki's. The icy Rahaga turned pink as his closefriend giggled at his expression and then asked if he wanted to dance. "Come on dear heart, let's join them." Nuju whispered, squeezing Anuenue's hand as the matoran and Toa turned to watch the two Rahaga. Those in the arena shifted to clear a space for the dancers as the song from the stage continued to flow out over the arena and those with closefriends hugged.
Ten minutes later the Turaga and Rahaga paused when their closefriends stopped, and found they were now facing each other before glancing around as the glow returned to surround Ikara and Nuju. "We think it's good for you to keep each other company. Enjoy the rest of the party dear heart." the Turaga of Ice said as Malie, Solisha and Kokua shifted closer to the edge of the stage as they finished their song for a better view. Eyes damp, Anuenue nodded as Kualus, his own eyes shining damply, hugged her and they watched as the two spirits vanished into the glowing light which then faded away.
"Sisters, bro, that was beautiful. Thank you." Anuenue said when they were joined by Malie, Solisha and Kokua, who been followed by Lewa, as the party began to pick up again. "It's the Toa Nuva's turn next." Solisha grinned, her eyes shining with excitement, "Then we give-hand out the midwinter gifts." Malie signed, grinning happily.
"Turaga, would you like a drink?" Leus-sùl shouted over the noise as they picked their way through their friends, "That would be lovely, thank you." Anuenue replied, smiling at the matoran, who was currently a delicate shade of mint dotted with small gold stars, her arm linked with Acirru, his hues now lemon with copper dots. While Leus-sùl hurried off to find some beakers, Acirru grinned, "I thought you might like to be the first to know-learn that Leus-sùl says she'll be my closefriend."
"That's wonderful, congratulations both of you." Kualus said when Leus-sùl rejoined them and handed out the drinks before giggling as blushing when Acirru shifted closer then glanced at Turaga Anuenue, who smiled happily. "Right let's get some good seats." the Le-matoran healer laughed as Leus-sùl tugged at his hand while word spread that the Toa Nuva were about to show their party piece in the centre of the arena.
"Hey bro, colour-sis, come and sit-watch with us." Iruini shouted to his icy brother, who waved his staff to signal he'd heard as they moved through the partying matoran, Anuenue changing the colours of those she and Amaya had missed earlier, "Thanks Turaga." Dalu called out as Balta twirled her around.
Not long after Kualus and Anuenue had sat beside the other Rahaga, the matoran shifted to clear a space for the Toa Nuva, Aikane, Amaya and Takanuva and watched as they split into three groups. "May I join you?" Kokua asked Malie and Solisha as they snagged some beakers and headed for the seats by their friends, "Sure, Dezalk's kept good seats for us." Solisha grinned, arm entwined with her closefriend's as he waved to their friends.
An excited hush fell over those watching as the Toa Nuva gathered in a loose circle with Takanuva, Aikane and Amaya grinning happily. Gali, and Lewa stepped forward a pace and called on their elements, water and air met and swirled around slowly forming into the Bionicle symbol. The two elements were then joined by strands of colour, tiny flames and ribbons of light, which mingled and spun in the breeze keeping the symbol in place.
Watching fascinated the matoran, Rahaga and Turaga Anuenue murmured in amazement as fragments of earth, ice and stone then joined the other elements dancing around before a second symbol appeared floating beside the original as Aikane called on her Vohaki.
Cheers ans whistles of delight echoed around the arena as the Toa laughed and tapped fists, delighted that their idea had worked well. "That was amazing." Kokua exclaimed before leaping over the wall and dashing over to hug her grinning closefriend as he clapped Kopaka's shoulder.
The sound of delighted chatter rose from the matoran as they began to take out small packages while the Toa split up and came to sit amongst their friends, "We'd better get the gifts we've made." Norik said as their friends began exchanging gifts. A delighted squeal came from Leus-sùl as Acirru fastened his gift for her around her neck.
"Let the Toa go first, I want to see Lewa give Kokua her gift." Anuenue murmured, her eyes glowing with anticipation as the Toa and Torahka drifted over to the tower while the matoran continued to thank their friends and closefriends.
The Toa Nuva of Air watched as Kokua handed the last of her gifts to Hahli and then moved to join her as she chatted with the Chronicler and Nixie, "Featherheart," he said, suddenly feeling nervous as he sat beside the laughing trio while the matoran thanked Kokua for her gifts. Glancing around, the hybrid smiled at her closefriend as he offered a small pouch to her, his mask now tinted pink, "Thank you Lewa, this is for you." the Torahka whispered, blushing deeply, unnoticed by them, Hahli and Nixie had gone to join their friends and let the pair have a private moment. The rainbow hued Turaga smiled as as her friends hugged before exchanging fastening their gifts around each others neck and arm.
"Let's get our gifts now." Anuenue murmured, her eyes moist as she glanced at the Rahaga,
"What was it Lewa gave Kokua?" Pouks enquired once they'd reached the tower and he watched her collecting the gifts from her and the departed Turaga, "A pendant of green stone in the shape of the crescent moon." came the reply as Anuenue placed seven gifts to one side, her hand trembling slightly as she set down the one with Nuju's symbol on it.
"That sounds pretty and would you like a hand?" Gaaki asked when she joined them, "That would be a great help, thank you." Anuenue smiled as Kualus returned and grinned at her. Between them, the Rahaga helped carry the gifts over to a nearly empty table and agreed when Turaga Anuenue said they should be arranged in groups.
Glancing around, the Turaga of Colour attracted the Toa Nuva's attention by altering their colours and waved to them when they glanced around, "Would you like me to stay?" Kualus murmured while his brothers and sister went to mingle with the curious matoran, noting that Anuenue looked a bit nervous. "Yes please, dear friend. That would help." came a whisper before she looked up at the curios Toa as they reached where they sat.
"Could you help me give out th-the gifts please?" the rainbow hued Turaga asked as they glanced over to where the seven piles of gifts were spread out, "It would be our pleasure sis." Tahu smiled. "Thank you, I'll give out Dume's." she replied, smiling up at her, now coral hued, brother before he knelt to hug her. Smiling, the Toa took turns calling out the matoran's names and passed the gifts to them when they got through the chatting crowd.
By the time the last gifts have been given out, it was past one in the morning and the matoran had begun to wend their way home bidding their friends pleasant dreams. Yawning deeply, the Turaga of Colour sat down then blinked drowsily when someone lifted her up, "Come on colour-sis, time to sleep-rest." Lewa's voice murmured as she lent against his shoulder. "It was a fantastic midwinter festival." Onua said, stifling a yawn while Lewa, Kokua, Solisha, Malie and Kualus bid the others good night and headed off to rest, "Indeed, now let's go sleep-rest before we fall asleep standing up." Sheranu muttered supporting Tein'a when he stumbled.
Settling Anuenue down, Lewa smiled as she nestled under the blankets and then joined his closefriend, who yawned and snuggled closer to him. Fighting to keep awake, Anuenue nodded when Kualus asked her something before he wrapped several blankets around himself and settled beside her.
...
By three in the morning everyone on Metru Nui was asleep and seven spirits appeared in the tower. Moving to lift up the unopened gifts, they carried them through to where their rainbow hued sister slept. "It was a good start, sister." Dume's spirit whispered once they'd placed the gifts on the cabinet beside the bed she shared with Kualus. Nuju lightly brushed a hand over his closefriend's mask then followed the others back to the spirit realm, smiling at the thought of her expression when she opened his gift.