Have a good Christmas everyone
When she re-entered Kopaka's, Aili hurried into the living room where Kokua was anxiously trying to rouse the Turaga from her nightmare.
"No...no please masters PLEASE!" the Turaga screamed, eyes opened but unseeing as she cowered against the couch arm, arms over her head trying to protect herself from those who tormented her dreams. "I can't wake her, one minute she was sleeping peacefully then this happened." Kokua quickly explained, rubbing several deep scratches on her arm, "She caught me while trying to protect herself."
"I think I now understand why Rhya Nui said that you would have to sing us into the Turaga's dreams. It looks like that's the only way to wake her." Aili murmured while helping Kokua dress the cuts on her arm. "Sounds odd, but Mother knows what to do and there'll be a good reason." the hybrid muttered settling on the floor facing the couch and its distressed occupant. Joining her, Aili watched, as Kokua got comfortable then spread her wings while crooning a languorous melody.
As Aili's eyes began to close, part of her realized that Kokua had ceased singing yet the song continued, gently wrapping them in sound.
xXx
Opening their eyes as screams echoed around them, the pair found themselves in a large room, draped with tattered hangings. Before them were a huge group of hulking figures all gathered around the bound figure of the peach/light gold hued Turaga whom screamed helplessly as two figures took great delight in tormenting her.
Drawing their blades, Toa and Torahka leapt over those closest to them lashing out at those closest to the Turaga and driving them back into the group. Low growls came from several figures while others chuckled darkly in anticipation.
"Pretty slaves shouldn't carry weapons." one hulking figure hissed, producing a wicked looking blade, "We are here to drive you from this Turaga's dreams." Aili growled, her grip tightening on her blades, Kokua doing likewise as she readied to fight.
Mocking laughter came from all around them as more blades appeared.
Lying bound between the two standing over her, the Turaga whimpered in terror as more laughter came from those surrounding them. "Easy Turaga we will protect you." the hybrid murmured softly before she began humming. The tune went unnoticed, drowned in the continuing laughter, but Aili felt her blades begin to resonate in time with the music.
Snarls rose in pitch as the figures launched their attack on the pair, as they did Kokua's song rose too, taking on a physical shape, forming a shield over the Turaga.
Curling up as best she could, the Turaga covered her eyes and tried not to listen as snarls and curses mingled with shouts of rage as the Toa and Torahka fought her nightmares.
Eventually the sounds of battle grew less and the Turaga cautiously peered from between her fingers just as Aili slashed at one of the remaining figures whom howled in pain then burst into fragments which vanished into nothing.
Breathing heavily as they placed their weapons away then sat either side of the Turaga, the Toa and Hybrid smiled reassuringly at her before untying her wrists. Carefully rubbing the circulation back into them Aili and Kokua murmured soothingly to the frightened Turaga as she cautiously watched them. "I think a song will help you feel more relaxed." Aili murmured while Kokua removed the ropes binding her ankles then helped her to sit up, nodding Kokua started singing again, this time the melody was peaceful and relaxing.
As the song grew and swept around the trio, their surroundings began to change. "Hey feather-sis, this is nice." Aili commented gazing around at the scenery. "I-what? Oh we're in the flowered meadow." she exclaimed in surprise, breaking off her song and glancing around with a smile of delight.
The peach/light gold hued Turaga rubbed her eyes still wondering if she was asleep or awake then remembered what Aili had said when they'd been surrounded by the masters.
"I-it's so beautiful...all those colours." she whispered in amazement while cautiously reaching out to touch a flower of cream and scarlet. "And peaceful, which will help you to relax after your ordeal." Aili muttered so quietly that only Kokua heard her while the Turaga moved, after glancing nervously at them, to a larger patch of flowers.
"Indeed, now how about another song, see if I can call the butterflies to us."
"Sounds good, I didn't know they were found here too."
Glancing round nervously when a musical laugh came from where Aili and Kokua were sat, the peach/light gold hued Turaga managed a smile when they glanced over before the Torahka began singing again.
The song flowed out over the flowered meadow and not long after, a fluttering sound reached the trio.
Meanwhile, Roimh-Aithne and Turaga Nuju watched curiously when half the butterfly flock took wing and vanished over a near by hill seeking their tall winged friend. "I wonder what Kokua's up to?" the icy spirit mused brushing a hand over the silvery cloud nestled in his robe. "Guess we'll find out later." Roimh-Aithne replied grinning as the remaining butterflies settled back on his mask and shoulders.
The peach/light gold hued Turaga stared in awe as the butterflies clustered around Kokua and Aili, their wings shifting colour. While most of them then settled on the Toa and Torahka, three returned to where the wide-eyed Turaga sat and landed on some flowers beside her. "W-what are they?" the Turaga murmured, more to herself, as she tentatively reached out to the nearest butterfly, They're called butterflies, pretty aren't they?" Kokua replied as those perched on her shoulders began shifting their wing colours. "Y-yes...oooh!" came the stunned reply as the nearest butterfly to the Turaga climbed onto her outstretched hand and was followed by the other two. While the peach/light gold Turaga gazed fascinatedly at the butterflies now perched on her arm, those sitting on Aili's shoulders and mask switched their colours to dark orange and gold. "My-my brother wore those colours." she whispered sadly when Kokua asked what was the matter, "Oh Aili." the Torahka murmured, pulling her friend into a hug while she wiped tears from her mask.
As Kokua comforted Aili, the peach/light gold hued Turaga watched nervously, concerned that this was another test and she'd be punished for not doing the correct thing, "But what do the masters want me to do?" she whispered anxiously and would have stood up had the butterflies not taken flight and fluttered around her head preventing her. Puzzled and increasingly anxious, the Turaga was about to try again when two figures emerged from the mist around the flowered meadow.
While the taller one moved to crouch beside Aili and Kokua, the dark blue Turaga slowly drew closer to where the peach/light gold hued Turaga was trembling with fear.
"Oh brother!" Aili's voice rang out as she flung herself into his arms and Kokua drew back to give them some privacy. Bowing to Turaga Miliani as she moved to join her and the nervous Turaga, Kokua smiled at her confused glance before the rest of the butterflies settled around them, "I always bow to a Turaga, even my sis Anuenue." the hybrid said as she coaxed a butterfly with wings of peppermint and azure onto her finger. "Oh, then I should..."
"No sister, Turaga do not need to bow to each other, we are equal." Miliani softly added, still angered and shocked by how her old friend had been treated and its effects on her, "Yes master, I-I'll try and remember." the peach/light gold hued Turaga whispered, ducking her head and watching the butterflies as they clambered over her arms, gently fluttering their wings.
Silence fell over the small group, Miliani struggling with her feelings of shock and anger, Kokua also had the same feelings coupled with relief that Aili was able to see her brother, and the peach/light gold hued Turaga not really sure what she should say or do.
Eventually Miliani glanced over to where her friend sat watching the butterflies as they continued soothing her in their own unique way. Slowly she moved closer until she was sat beside the peach/light gold hued Turaga then softly cleared her throat, "Oh! Master don't..." she yelped, wincing before realizing the dark blue Turaga hadn't touched her and looked unhappy about something."You don't have to call any one master any more." Miliani murmured gently when her old friend slowly raised her head and peered nervously at her.
Several minutes passed, broken only by the sounds of the butterflies moving around, then a puzzled expression appeared on the peach/light gold hued Turaga's mask, "D-do I know y-you?" she whispered, still nervous, but unable to shake the feeling they'd met before. She was startled by the expression of joy shining in the dark blue Turaga's eyes as she reached out to gently squeeze her trembling hands. "We once lived on the same island. Do you remember?" Miliani said hopefully while Kokua slowly moved further back, but stayed within comfort range of the peach/light gold hued Turaga then glanced around as Aili and Alltan joined her. "I-I...I'm sorry, b-but I can't." she whispered as tears began to gather and trickle down her mask, "Oh my friend it's going to be all right. We'll all help you recover." Miliani replied, her own eyes filling as she drew the peach/light gold hued Turaga into a comforting hug, "For starters I'll give you your name back. It's Lannair and we were in the same Toa team."
Pulling back, too shocked to even think that she might be punished for her reaction, the peach/light gold hued Turaga stared at Miliani, her mouth working silently as she tried to speak. "Easy now, it'll be all right." Aili murmured as Lannair lent against her and shivered helplessly. "It's a lovely name." Kokua added as she, Miliani and the butterflies drew close, offering their support and comfort, still unable to speak, she nodded then swallowed hard and managed to whisper, "I-I was a Toa?"
"Yes and your fire skills were amazing to watch." Miliani smiled, her eyes glowing with memories and she hoped that Lannair would pluck up the courage to ask. Instead Lannair gave a huge yawn and mumbled an apology as her eyelids drooped, "I'll tell you next time, my friend. For now you need to rest and regain your strength." the dark blue Turaga said as Lannair's eyes closed and she fell asleep, head resting against Aili's shoulder as she scooped her into her arms. "I hope we can come too." the orange hued Toa grinned, stifling a yawn as she nestled closer to her brother, "You're more than welcome to join us and you are the only one Lannair really trusts at the moment." Turaga Miliani replied, her eyes growing cold as she peered closer at the scars covering Lannair's body and mask. "I know, I'll do my best to help her recover, as will everyone on Metru Nui even some of the rahi." Aili yawned as she got comfortable and drifted off to sleep. Alltan watched curiously as the spirits of Turaga Lannair and his sister faded from sight then glanced over at Kokua. The Torahka was humming drowsily as she settled back in the grass, seeing him watching she broke off her tune and smiled, "It's *yawn* to meet you though I know Aili would prefer for you to still be living."
"I would have too." the dark orange/gold Toa replied, his eyes shining with amusement, "It's good to know our friends and Leri will help her recover."
"Mmmm, I'm sorry I've got to go. See you later." the drowsy hybrid mumbled as her eyes closed and she fell asleep.
Once Kokua's spirit had returned to her body, Toa Alltan and Turaga Miliani followed the butterflies back to where the rest of the flock were keeping Turaga Nuju and Roimh-Aithne company. Then after introducing themselves to the curious bronze/black Makuta, settled between him and Turaga Nuju.
xXx
Aili slowly became aware that someone was nestled tightly against her side and opened her eyes to find that both she and Kokua were lying on the bed where she'd first placed Turaga Lannair and she was curled against her. "Someone's comfortable." Kokua whispered as she carefully sat up and glance over to the windows.
"Awake at last," Lakino said from her position against the doorway, "It was the shadow twins that placed you all there when she ceased screaming." she added before approaching and offering them canisters of soup. "Mmm delicious, thanks 'Kino." Aili grinned at the sky blue healer as she pulled a chair closer to the bed and after getting comfortable and insisting on checking the scratches on Kokua's arm, asked what had happened.
xXx
Over in Tein'a's, most of those present had settled for the night and Rhya Nui was watching the falling snow, her eyes narrowed when a dark figure suddenly appeared outside the window.
Smirking at the dusky Great Spirit, Teridax chuckled menacingly as she phased through the windows and then lent against the window ledge and glared at him, "So 'sister' when are you going to admit I'm stronger than you and submit to my will?" he taunted the dusky Great Spirit, moving closer and ignoring the ever brightening lightstones behind her.
Having woken feeling thirsty, the childlike Turaga had wriggled from Aikane's side without waking her and had nipped into the kitchen for some maha milk. On hearing some voices coming from outside, she scrambled onto the counter and tried to see into the garden. At first she couldn't see anything, then as her eyes adjusted, Anuenue smiled as she saw the silvery light showing where Rhya Nui stood. Then her smile fled as a pair of cold red eyes flared then turned to stare at her.
A terrified scream came from the kitchen, scaring the masks off of those in Tein'a's and the childlike Turaga bolted from the kitchen seeking comfort and somewhere to hide from her tormentor. As she collapsed in Aikane's arms, Rhya Nui's voice rang out, "You will not succeed and I will never bow to you. Neither am I your sister." At these words the air around the dusky Great Spirit became incandescent, searing the dark spirit's eyes and driving him away.
"R-r-red eyes." Anuenue whimpered clinging to Aikane so tightly that the violet hued Toa's arm had gone to sleep. While she, Lerihua and Uil'-ic tried to sooth the childlike Turaga, Rhya Nui entered the room, a bright glow still surrounding her. Awed murmurs came from the Daxian healer and copper hued Toa as she knelt beside Aikane an gently loosened Anuenue's grip on her arm. "N-no 'Kua want 'Kua." she whimpered, tears of fear running down her mask as the dusky Great Spirit enfolded her in her arms while Aikane gratefully rubbed life back into her arm.
"Shush, shush little one. He's gone and I won't let him harm you." Rhya murmured, silently thanking Uil'-ic as she passed her a beaker of juice. Slowly the childlike Turaga's trembling eased until she was able to take a mouthful of juice. "'ank you Rhya, still want 'Kua." Anuenue whispered rubbing her eyes as fright gave way to tiredness and she nestled deeper into the dusky Great Spirit arms, "We'll see, but for now sleep." with those words, Rhya spun a spark of blue light from thin air and watched as it landed on Anuenue's mask, "Pretty s-sparkle." she mumbled as she relaxed into sleep.
Placing the limp Turaga on Aikane's bed Rhya watched her niece cover Anuenue with some blankets then before she, Lerihua or Uil'-ic could say anything, she vanished from sight.
Appearing in the Great Temple, the dusky Great Spirit glanced around the Room of Prophecy before moving to one area. Several minutes later she nodded then went straight to Kopaka's home.
xXx
Peering around the bedroom door, Rhya Nui smiled as Lakino muttered angrily at what Aili was telling her about the nightmare she and Kokua had freed the peach/light gold hued Turaga from. "At least we now know her name." Kokua said, slipping her arms around the sleeping Turaga, allowing Aili to sit up.
A soft cough drew their attention to the door then Lakino and Aili scrambled up to bow, drawing a low chuckle from the dusky Great Spirit who then entered the bedroom. Couching beside where Kokua sat still hugging Lannair, Rhya gently brushed a finger over the Turaga's mask then glanced around at those watching her curiously. "It was my intention to let you and Turaga Lannair to stay here for a few days. But Anuenue's missing you daughter and it will help Lannair too."
"It's too soon." Lakino blurted before turning crimson as her brain caught up with her mouth. The dusky Great Spirit laughed, the musical sound sweeping around those in the room as glowing light appeared from nowhere, "Who said anything about taking her outside." she chuckled as the light faded to reveal that they were now in the guest bedroom in Tein'a's, much to Aikane and Uil'-ic's surprise. While Aili and Kokua took turns explaining, Rhya joined Lerihua in the kitchen glancing anxiously at her as she located another mug and tipped some chocolate powder into it before allowing him to add hot water. "I-is there anything I can do to help?" Lerihua asked when Rhya had taken a mouthful and let out a sigh. Intense blue eyes met his and the Toa Voya shivered at the loneliness there, then she blinked and smiled gently, "Thank you Leri. I just wish I knew where Mata Nui is."
"We all do." he quietly replied, setting his mug down and impulsively moved to hug her.
Having finished speaking, Aili went to see where her closefriend was and smiled at the sight of him hugging Rhya Nui, "If I found you hugging any one else, sparks would fly." the orange hued Toa giggled when Lerihua glanced around when she tapped on the door-frame then blushed deeply, drawing a snicker from the dusky Great Spirit. "Why don't you join us Àillidh?" she asked glancing round and beckoning her over. Turning crimson, Aili giggled and moved to join her closefriend and Rhya Nui.
Several minutes later, the Toa and dusky Great Spirit returned to the guest bedroom, Lerihua carrying a tray of canisters and mugs. Having finished passing mugs of hot chocolate to their friends, Lerihua and Aili joined Kokua, who still hugged the peach hued Turaga. "It doesn't look like we'll get much sleep tonight." Aikane murmured as Anuenue mumbled in her sleep an snuggled closer to her sister, her barely touched drink sat nearby.
As if in agreement, several large explosions came from the direction of the knowledge towers. As one, the shadow twin Toa present vanished to see what they could do. "Mmm...the dishes." Turaga Lannair mumbled as further explosions roused her and Anuenue, whom hugged Aikane tighter as she whimpered.
Bewilderment and fear filled Lannair as Kokua carefully helped her to sit up while she introduced those peering curiously at her. "And this is Anuenue." she said as the childlike Turaga finished Aikane's cold chocolate then shyly smiled at Turaga Lannair, "'lo 'raga."
Before she could reply, Kopaka's shadow twin entered the room, his eyes glowing with outrage as he approached Rhya Nui. "They've trapped several matoran in one of the knowledge towers and are destroying it around them. Some of my team are moving the matoran to safety, but it seems the Rahkshi are managing to hinder our rescue attempts." he said before leaning closer to add, "on the way here, I paused to see how the peach hued Turaga is and one of those explosions was my real self's home."
"Oh spirits." Kokua murmured, wings unfurling to curve protectively around Turaga Lannair while Lerihua pulled Aili closer as she shivered.
Blue fire shone from Rhya Nui's eyes startling all present, then she closed them for several long minutes. "M-master wh-what's happening?" Lannair whispered fearfully as Rhya Nui then stood up, ribbons of light streaming from her hands to wrap around the startled shadow twin, "He doesn't know about the stalemate." the dusky Great Spirit growled softly, a brief cool smile crossing her mask, "The Rahkshi are in for a nasty shock."
"It's all right Lannair, the one who seeks to dominate those my brother cares for, has bitten off more than he can chew." Rhya explained, sitting beside Kokua and offering her hand to the peach/light gold hued Turaga.
To everyone's surprise, Lannair turned pale and she tried to back away, "The grey place." she whimpered, her eyes fixed on Rhya's and wide with terror.
Shock crossed the dusky Great
Spirit's mask then she slowly shifted away until she was leaning against the headboard. Glancing over to where Aikane sat, the childlike Turaga hugging her tightly. The Toa of Twilight's mask was pale but resolute as she coaxed Anuenue into letting her get up, then she moved to join those sat on the bed.
As Lannair's gaze switched to the violet hued Toa, Rhya began softly humming a soothing melody, while indicating that Aili, Lerihua and Uil'-ic should go into the other guest room. "You too Anuenue." she added when the childlike Turaga stayed where she was, swinging her feet back and forth. "No, wanna be with 'Kua and A-kane" came her reply before she jumped from the couch and scrambled onto the Torahka's lap and wrapped her arms firmly round Kokua's waist.
"H-have y-y-you finally c-come for m-m-me?" a whisper came from Turaga Lannair as she glanced fearfully up at the dusky Great Spirit. Shaking her head, Rhya Nui smiled reassuringly, "No Lannair, I will do you no harm." she replied softly before resuming her song.
Still uncertain as to what those around her were intending to do to her, but strangely reassured by that comment, Lannair glanced over to where Kokua sat, the winged being was whispering to the rainbow hued Turaga. Before she could ask Kokua why she and the great one looked so alike, the one hugging her shuddered violently.
"It is a terrifying place." Aikane whispered when Lannair looked up at her, her eyes misted with remembered fear. "A-kane needs a cuddle." Anuenue piped up as the Toa and Turaga looked at each other, united by the same memory of running for their lives. Tentatively, the peach/light gold hued Turaga wriggled out from the blankets and slipped her arms round Aikane's waist.
"Thank you little one." a soft whisper tickled Anuenue's ear as she and Kokua watched as Rhya Nui telekinetically lifted Aikane and Lannair up and set them beside her. While resting her arm round Aikane's, the dusky Great Spirit altered her song and watched as those in Tein'a's, that the song was aimed at, drifted into sleep.
Submersed in her confused thoughts and pain filled memories, Lannair hadn't twitched when Aikane moved just nestled closer to the violet hued Toa and began to allow herself to relax. Glancing at the peach/light gold hued Turaga as she unconsciously began to join in with the song, Rhya gently scanned her mind.
"Great Beings, you were there three times." the shocked murmur broke into Lannair's thoughts of warmth and she drowsily peered up at the dusky blue/silver being watching her. "M-master?" she stammered, suddenly wide awake and fearful that she'd done something wrong, "It's all right Lannair, you have done nothing wrong. I was just learning more about you." Rhya Nui murmured reassuringly as the Turaga shivered, clutching the blankets tightly around her shoulders.
It was then that Lannair realized that everyone else was asleep and that she was alone with the powerful one. For several moments they gazed at each other, then Rhya Nui silently offered a hand to Lannair, "Please, may I fully see what you went through?" the soft query hung in the air.
Taking a deep breath, the peach hued Turaga placed her trembling hand in Rhya Nui's.
xXx
In Gresh's home, the green hued warrior lent back in his chair and stared out the window. Near by, Tarduk and Teile snored, having fallen asleep a few hours earlier.
"If," he eventually said, "If you had told us all this before we'd seen you repair that jug, then I would have thought you to be either mad or suffering from extreme sunstroke." Mata Nui nodded, "I know and the Toa would have wondered the same thing had someone from Bara Magna had appeared in the coliseum and told them about their homeland."
Quietly the warriors talked the remainder of the night away, learning more about each other's world. "The rock tribe sound very much like the dark hunters." Mata Nui commented, voicing the remark made by the Mask of Life as the first hints of dawn began to lighten the sky.
"If you want, I can introduce you to the other Glatorian." Gresh said, as yawning came from where the agori had slept, "Sounds good. I've got a lot to learn about Bara Magna."
Once Tarduk and Teile had fully woken and joined the warriors for breakfast, they then headed off to their jobs. Then Gresh and Mata Nui headed in the direction of Vulcanus, drawing curious glances from the other agori as the silver/white warrior commented, "It's curious that this village lays between fire and ice. Just like Le-metru."
xXx
Taking her hand from Lannair's brow, Rhya Nui gently used a corner of a blanket to try and dry her mask while murmuring soft reassurances. "Poor thing, and to think Kokua thought Rionna had it rough." the dusky Great Spirit mused while cuddling the quietly weeping Turaga.
"I-I'm s-s-sorry master." she hiccuped, struggling to bring her pain under control, "Shush, it's alright. You need this to truly begin healing."
At this quiet reply, Lannair shyly lent her head against Rhya's side as her tears flowed faster. The dusky Great Spirit hugged the peach hued Turaga closer and softly began to sing her to sleep.
Kokua woke to the sound of her mother singing to the curled form of Turaga Lannair, whom she hugged protectively. Sitting up after untangling Anuenue's arms from round her neck, the Torahka smiled at her mother then went to start preparing breakfast.
"Hey feather-sis, how's Lannair doing?" Lerihua enquired as Kokua entered the kitchen to find she'd been beaten to it by her friends, "Still sleeping, Mother's watching over her."
A shiver caused the hybrid's feathers to fluff out as she accepted a mug of hot juice and sat beside Aili, whom pushed a plate of toast over to her.
By the time they carried trays of food and drink through to the bedroom, Aikane and Anuenue had woken and the violet hued Toa was amusing the childlike Turaga by using her hands to cast amusing shapes onto the wall.
"Oooo brekkie."
"Easy 'Nue, there's plenty." Lerihua chuckled, catching Rhya's eye and shaking his head slightly. The dusky Great Spirit gave an imperceptible nod, "The shadow twins can help restock." she reassured him.
Slowly chewing her way through the dish of food Aili had given her, Lannair watched the others but didn't join in their conversation.
"We're not interrupting are we?" came Kokua's shadow twin's voice as she and Lewa's peered around the door.
"Lightstones like none I've ever seen." Lannair whispered softly, still uneasy about the appearance of another Kokua, but fascinated by the bags of lightstones placed against one of the chairs. "Pretty, I have one 'ease?" Anuenue asked, having left her breakfast half eaten to peer curiously at the lightstones.
"Have a look and see which one you like best." Aikane smiled at her sister's hopeful expression. With a delighted giggle, the childlike Turaga began pulling the lightstones out of the bags and arranging them on the floor according to their hues.
"Wanna help?" Anuenue asked when Turaga Lannair left her seat and moved closer to where she sat amongst the lightstones. Glancing round to where Aili was in conversation with the other Toa, Uil'-ic, Lakino and Rhya Nui, Lannair paused uncertainly then slowly sat close beside Anuenue, whom smiled happily at her new friend.