I'm still here :D


Dawn was starting to brighten the sky by the time they'd finished and managed to stay awake long enough to tell Tema and Naidi of their plans before stumbling through to the bedrooms and collapse in sleep.

Mata Nui slowly woke as a delicious smell roused him and drowsily opened his eyes to see Dù-ra standing near by holding a well-laden tray. A yawn came from Recho as she also woke and peered round for the source of the smell, "'lo Dù-ra" the mid green/ochre Glatorian mumbled as she sat up and stretched.

"H-hi, I-er-I made breakfast for you as t-thanks for looking after Tairis."

"Though it's closer to mid morning." Artre's voice came from the hallway as his lifefriend allowed Mata Nui to take the tray and place it between himself and Recho. "It's not just you, Ackar and the others have only just woken, that must have been some meeting." Artre chuckled as he perched on the end of the bed and pulled Dù-ra down beside him.

"Oh it was and no doubt Raanu will want a gathering to tell you all." Recho said between mouthfuls, "Tis good." she mumbled, nudging Mata Nui's arm to get him to dig in. "Well seeing as you're under orders, we'll catch you later." the chartreuse healer grinned as Dù-ra pulled him off the bed and towards the door.

Half an hour later, they'd joined their friends and watched as Raanu and Ackar told the gathered Glatorian and agori of what had taken place. Murmurs of fascination could be heard when Ackar took a break and nodded to Raanu.

By the time the red hued agori finished, several agori were peering up at the sky to see if they could spot the approaching danger while others hurried off to begin organizing essentials.

"Sand and wind, if it's not one thing, it's another." Cuan remarked as he helped load water canisters on a wagon ignoring the Spikit complain they were peckish, "Honestly, you'd think they hadn't been fed ten minutes ago." Cirpa added before checking that they couldn't bolt.

Over at the hospital, the healers were ignoring Xia and Cintil's comments that their friends could push them over to the caves.

"No, no and once again NO!" Sesui yelled before stomping off to find something to chuck at a wall, leaving the pair to stare after her in amazement while Ubaya, Àitidh and Eala glanced at each other and shrugged. "I won't be surprised if Sesui adds something to their drinks." the light green healer muttered, grabbing a bag before heading after her jade hued friend.

She found the jade hued healer close to the arena, kicking a stone around while still muttering angrily under her breath. Sitting on the grass near by, Eala set out the food she'd brought and waited for Sesui to calm down.

While the agori talked animatedly about the sudden return of Ackar and the others while they continued packing up essentials, Soirea joined Eala and talked about what the healers were taking.

"Malum says that several Vorox have offered to 'assist' taking Xia and Cintil to the caves."

"What, oh no," Sesui groaned as she missed a swing at the stone and glanced round, "They only want to muck around with those wheeled chairs."

"It's alright, T'sero and Sh'eri got there first and are fending off those Vorox. The rest of the sand tribe went ahead to clear the caves." Soirea reassured the startled healer.

"And once you've eaten, we'll catch up with them." she added watching as several carts moved out of sight. "How many are still here?" Eala asked while Sesui tucked into the food, glancing round at the steadily emptying village, "Not many. Atanu's still trying to get Recho to come with us." Ercho said, grinning as Eala jumped and chuckled at her reaction.

Fifteen minutes later, they joined the last group of carts and the healers watched as Atanu finally managed to coax Recho into joining them. "Please Recho, I'll feel better knowing you're a good distance away." Mata Nui said hugging his lifefriend as she tightened her grip around his shoulders. Reluctantly, the mid green/ochre Glatorian raised her head and smiled sadly, "It might be our last hug."

"Not if I can help it dear heart." he softly replied before scooping Recho up and sitting her beside Ercho. At Soirea's nod, A'val got the Spikit moving and the cart headed off.

Once they were out of sight, Mata Nui glanced up at the remains of the stone figure then headed for where its heartlight would have shone.

xXx

Clinging to their position, Takanuva nudged Tahu then nodded towards the knee of the giant. Puzzled, the fiery Toa followed his brother's gaze then murmured at the sight of the system they were approaching.

"Great Beings."

"Yeah, let's hope we find Mata Nui or the Kanohi Ignika before he does."

Falling silent, they took turns peering at the dark spirit's destination.

xXx

Tuma scowled at the ebon hued agori that had tended his wounds then turned his attention to the Skrall. Most had finished gathering everything they could salvage and were stacking the items as best they could; others were staring curiously at the sky.

Climbing stiffly to his feet, Tuma moved to find out what his warriors were looking at.

In the sky above the remains of Roxtus, a sinister red star glowed and Tuma smiled coldly, knowing that it would signal the rock tribes' return to power.

xXx

Having finished sorting things out, the agori and Glatorian watched the village, Recho gripping Ercho's hand so tightly that it had gone numb.

Minutes past, then someone yelped and pointed to the hand nearest them. A slight twitch became proper movement and the giant hand slowly closed and opened before lifting slightly from the ground. Glowing light ran over the metal figure, repairing and restoring as it went. Mata Nui chuckled when the Kanohi Ignika laughed with enthusiasm and added its power to the energy.

Mata Nui had just got the giant to its feet when he sensed Teridax's presence enter the orbit of the moons. Swearing as he made final checks on the robot's systems, he glanced to where he knew Recho stood and silently vowed to protect her and his friends.

"I can sense Aikane's closefriend. He and the Toa of Light are near." the Kanohi Ignika suddenly piped up.

"Great Beings." Kiina whispered in awe as the giant stood up, stretched then glanced over to where she and the others watched. It then glanced up at the, now larger, red star before running its hands over its joints, testing them carefully.

Watching Atanu, Gresh couldn't dismiss the feeling that he should be doing something other than help protect the agori When everyone was distracted, he slipped away and keeping the boulders between him and the alert sand tribe, headed back to where Atanu stood.

Leader glanced at Malum as they watched the bright green Glatorian racing off, "I fetch him back?" he asked curiously, "No, he's following his own path." Malum quietly replied before examining his weapons.

xXx

"When we're low enough, I'll fly us away." Tahu said as Teridax Nui entered the planet's atmosphere and began heating up, "Ok and I'll add my Miru Nuvas' power to yours." Takanuva replied. The Toa of Light was just then using his Hau Nuva while Tahu deflected enough heat to prevent them frying.

As the sky began changing colour, the Toa readied themselves to jump.

"Now!"

Gliding through the air, Tahu and Takanuva scanned their surroundings, seeking any sign of their Great Spirit.

"Hey is that?"

"Looks interesting."

Landing not far from the building, the pair watched as Mata Nui's stolen form vanished from sight behind the hills, then went to examine the building for clues.

xXx

Reaching the towering form of Atanu, Gresh whistled to get his friend's attention, then when there was no response used one of his air blades to tap Atanu's shin. A startled yelp came from the green hued Glatorian as suddenly a glow surrounded and lifted him off the ground. At the same time, a similar glow surrounded Tahu and Takanuva when they peered curiously into the building. The Toa had just enough time to exclaim then they found themselves standing beside a green hued warrior, on a large hand and watched by a familiar pair of brilliant blue eyes.

"Mata Nui, thank the Great Beings." Tahu exclaimed before he and Takanuva bowed, drawing a bemused glance from Gresh. They then straightened up and began telling the Great Spirit what troops Teridax had brought with him.

Once Tahu finished, he and Takanuva glanced at Gresh, whom grinned and introduced himself. As the Toa and Glatorian talked about their enemies and defending the others, Mata Nui looked towards his friends and telepathically passed on knowledge of how to defend themselves against Skakdi and heat Rahkshi to the Glatorian.

xXx

Sahmad had been watching the events around the building with great interest and when the coast was finally clear, he urged Leth-aon down from their hiding place.

Sidling up to the door, the agori's eyes widened with greed as he caught sight of something golden glinting just out of his reach. Rummaging through his stuff, Sahmad chuckled as he pulled out a coil of rope with a hook attached, "Perfect." he laughed before carefully whirling it around his head until there was enough momentum.

He's just finished tying a third piece of armour to the Baranus v7 and was deciding whether to snag the mask or chest armour when they began glowing. "What...no!" Sahmad snarled as the light grew then winked out, taking the remaining pieces of armour with it. Swiftly he checked the pieces he'd stolen then laughed on finding them still there, "I'll get a good price for these bits."

Whistling to Leth-aon to start moving, Sahmad turning the Baranus v7 for Roxtus, knowing that he'd get a good deal for the purloined items.

xXx

Teridax looked at the dark hued warriors and villagers that warily gazed up at his stolen form, his mind seeking out their leader. While this happened, part of the robot's leg opened and the Skakdi and Rahkshi disembarked. Tuma shook his head as something dark and powerful brushed against his mind then despite his attempts to stay still, he found himself walking towards the towering being.

A low menacing chuckle rumbled in the air as the leader of the Skrall helplessly offered his weapons to the giant being. "You will show the warlord, his troops and my Rahkshi where the fools who sheltered by brother are."

"Y-yes master."

The reply was dragged unwillingly from Tuma before he began directing the Skrall; the Bone hunters were not far behind.

As the mixed group headed south, Makuta Teridax scanned the horizon until his enhanced eyesight caught sight of a figure similar to his, "Ah, there you are brother. Time to finish things once and for all."

xXx

Mata Nui watched as the light that had suddenly surrounded Tahu vanished leaving him blinking the after-effect away. While Gresh and Takanuva remarked on their friend's altered appearance, Mata Nui examined what had appeared in his other hand then muttered with concern before placing the armour before the Glatorian and Toa.

"Take a piece each and guard it well," the Great Spirit said as he recalled the prophecy about the golden warrior, "There are three pieces still missing. And I'm guessing that by now they are in the hands of your enemies."
"Then we will recover them, Great Spirit." Tahu said, raising his sword in salute. As Gresh and Takanuva echoed the fiery Toa, the green hued Glatorian felt a sense of rightness, that this was what he'd been looking for.
"May the Great Beings watch over you." Mata Nui said as he knelt to set the trio of warriors down, then rose to look to where he could sense Makuta Teridax.

xXx

Sahmad yelped, pulling Leth-aon to a halt as several lanky figures appeared around him and hissed curiously amongst themselves while hungrily sizing up the two-headed Spikit. Before he could demand an explanation, a chill voice called on those surrounding him to bring their 'guest' closer. A shudder ran up Sahmad's back as one of the lanky figures prodded him while another tore the bindings from the pieces of armour and followed them.

A startled cry came from the agori as he was scooped up and flown upwards to land on a massive outstretched hand. A malevolent chuckle came from the red-eyed figure as Sahmad took one look at his face and fell to his knees, hiding his eyes.

While the agori grovelled, Teridax Nui carefully examined the golden armour that the Lăsrahk displayed for him, "Give one to Warlord Nektann and one to a Skrall. You will guard the this." he ordered, tapping the Lăsrahk that held the shield.

Hissing enthusiastically, the Rahkshi jumped into flight mode and shot off, leaving the crumpled form of Sahmad to face Teridax Nui alone.

Several minutes later, the badly shaken agori was dropped beside a group of ebon agori, still numb; he joined in with what they were doing. Satisfied that his Lăsrahk had done what he ordered, the dark spirit raised his stolen form to its full height and started towards where he could sense Mata Nui.

At the same time, Mata Nui glanced over to where his friends were sheltering and then headed to intercept Makuta Teridax.

Pausing to watch as Atanu headed off, Gresh asked about those threatening his fellow Glatorian and friends. Resuming their race towards the area between where the village had been and the caves, the warriors shared information, Tahu and Takanuva listening with interest when Gresh told them about the two kinds of Skrall they'd encounter.

Stopping halfway between the caves and the hot springs, Tahu, Takanuva and Gresh finished their plans to hinder the approaching forces and retrieve the stolen armour. "That mask you carry looks like the one you're wearing." Gresh added once he'd finished setting a trap, "Indeed, but it feels much more powerful." Tahu absently replied, watching as Takanuva bent light to hide the other traps set between the rocks and stunted trees. Jogging back to his friends, Takanuva grinned wolfishly, "That should go some way to hindering them, if only for a short while."

"And then..." Tahu chuckled, cracking his knuckles before snapping his fingers and producing a small flame.

xXx

Peering out from where she'd taken refuge, Lakino tried to rub mud from her glasses then stifled a groan as one cracked lens fell out, smashing into pieces. As the tiny sound faded, the sky blue healer stiffened as a low hiss sounded from close to her hiding place. Shifting further back into the hole she'd found under the rubble of Ko-metru, Lakino breathed as softly as she could while crunching footsteps approached.

A pair of grey/green feet showed her that it was a Breunrahk hunting, for her or any other matoran away from a place of refuge. The confusion Rahkshi sniffed the air deeply seeking any trace of prey, then hissed as another Rahkshi landed near by. Swallowing hard, the sky blue healer reached behind her, trying to find if she could get any further from her pursuers.

The Rahkshi that had joined the confusion Rahkshi was peering intently around, it then gestured towards where a rustle had just caught its attention. The Imrichrahk hissed something to its sibling, who agreed and jumped into flight mode. As the sound of Rahkshi flight faded, Lakino slowly allowed her breathing to return to normal before inching closer to the entrance of her bolt-hole and peered cautiously out.

Not far from where she was, hidden by the remains of wall, the shape shifting Rahkshi hissed with amusement as it watched the healer scramble from her hiding place, then altered its appearance to someone she'd trust and stepped into view.

"Hey Lakino, this way, quickly!" the disguised Rahkshi called out as the sky blue healer nimbly picked her way over the rubble to join it. "Spirits! Luhi, that was much too close." Lakino gasped as she reached the disguised Rahkshi, whom nodded and began leading her towards the ambush it had planned with the Breunrahk.

xXx

A resounding crash echoed across the desert landscape as Mata Nui blocked Teridax's strike at his head, catching the blow on his shoulder, Mata Nui avoided a second blow then warily watched as Teridax stepped back, his eyes narrowing with cold amusement.

Calling up a shield, which covered him like a second skin, Mata Nui drew power into his hand, hiding the glow of energy, as he knew that Teridax would have something underhand planned.

xXx

Having left Recho to help her brother and friends with their plans, Click scrambled up to the ridge above the caves. The Scarabax looked around for his tall silver friend then gave a voice to a string of low anxious clicks at the sight of the two giant figures facing each other.

Burrowing into the ground, Click headed for where the Scarabax tended to gather when not seeking food.

By the time Click reached his fellow Scarabax, other beetles had brought news of what they'd seen and all were excitedly discussing it. Several were all for repeating what they'd done to scare the tall black ones, while others made other suggestions about what to do about the evil one. These Scarabax were gathered around several that were huddled together and looked paler than usual.
Puzzled, Click scurried over to join them and clicked an enquiry. *Dark bringer* one of the group replied, *Powerful evil* another added, still trembling as it remembered how helpless it had felt when the monster being had walked past where the group were foraging and its shadow had swept over them.

*Silver friend will deal with it. We help his friends?* Click suggested, noting more Scarabax had gathered around the pale group. A couple of them rubbed their heads against the paler beetles' wing cases to sooth them. A wave of agreeing clicks spread through the mass of Scarabax beetles, followed by eager suggestions.
Eventually, the beetles split into two groups and shot off to see what they could do to help Click's friends and hinder their enemies.

The group led by Click dug themselves out of the sandy soil close to where Gresh was watching an unfamiliar red hued warrior as he peered towards the north. Moving closer, the Scarabax had nearly reached where Gresh was stood when the air shimmered and a light gold/white warrior seemed to appear from nowhere.
Startled clicking made Tahu whirl round, sword at the ready, he then blinked in surprise at the sight of the metallic beetles covering the ground, all were staring in awe at Takanuva.

Within several minutes, the Scarabax had got over their amazement and swarmed around Takanuva, Click scrambling onto his shoulder to see if his mask would act like his silver/white friend's. "Just like with Atanu." Gresh chuckled as Takanuva carefully picked up the eagerly chattering beetle and placed it on his hand for a better look.
"Who?"
"It's what we know Mata Nui by." Gresh replied to Tahu's query, the fiery Toa also had a Scarabax perched on his shoulder and was scanning the area intently. "That'll make Aikane smile." Takanuva grinned, before all glanced in the direction Atanu had taken.
"Those Skrall, Skakdi and Rahkshi are getting closer." Tahu said, switching back to his Hau, which drew excited clicks from the beetle on his shoulder, "You won't be able to stay there when the fighting begins." he added, coaxing the Scarabax from its perch.

The female beetle clicked in annoyance, then, when the tall red one moved away, she followed waiting for a chance to reclaim her perch. Catching a glimpse of the Scarabax scurrying after Tahu, Takanuva hid a smile as he now had two of the blue/purple beetles now ensconced in his armour, clicking to each other.

Several minutes later, the rest of the Scarabax had picked areas between the well-laid traps and began to loosen the sandy soil.

xXx

Spreading out as they approached the hot springs, the Skakdi and Rahkshi looked at the Skrall they'd made go ahead of them hungrily. Tuma came to stand beside Warlord Nektann and while a Lăsrahk listened in, the pair worked out the final part of their attack plan.

When Tuma returned to inform the Skrall, Nektann beckoned to the Lăsrahk Intrigued, the yellow Rahkshi leaned closer then hissed with amusement when Nektann whispered, "And once we've used them to wipe out those weaklings, they're next."

Unaware of what the Skakdi and Rahkshi were planning, Tuma was telling his Skrall that they could do the same to their 'allies' once the Glatorian had fallen.

xXx

Running alongside Stronius, the female Skrall that had shown unexpected clemency to some slaves was mulling over what she'd seen back at Roxtus. Cautiously glancing over her shoulder at their 'allies', Bàigh felt as though ice was sliding down her back as she realized they also saw those from Roxtus as prey.

"Twigged have you?" Stronius gruffly whispered, watching the female warrior from the corner of his eye as she swallowed hard while facing forward again, "Yes sir."

"Good. Tuma reckoned they'd do something like that and we Skrall ain't going down easily. Now when the fighting starts, I'm gonna cover your back and you are to get that golden armour back to whoever it belongs."

Nodding grimly, Bàigh tightened her grip on her sword and shield and began looking for any signs of the Glatorian.

xXx

Placing the last of his stakes in place, Enire watched as three Scarabax shovelled the piles of sand back into the hole, pausing to firm it down as they went. Nearby other Scarabax were busily digging larger holes into which the agori were tipping various things. Dù-ra giggled wickedly as she added Tairis's contribution to the nearest hole before helping Boreas cover it with a sand coated sheet.

While smoothing sand over the edges, the ex Bone huntress glanced towards the north and shuddered, knowing full well what the Bone hunters and Skrall were capable of, "Hey come on, let's get some more. I've got an idea." Boreas said, guessing where Dù-ra's thoughts had strayed.

As the pair hurried off, Naidi, Vastus and Tema swapped places with Lumin, Revlis and Niramau. While their friends went to assist where they could, the three Glatorian looked to where they could see the two giants facing each other, "Is it me or is the one Atanu's in shorter?"

"Yes. But that's not necessarily a bad thing." Lumin replied, glancing at the row of Scarabax perched on the very edge of the cliff and staring in the same direction.

Down below, inside the cave system, several Zesk were eagerly examining some of the smaller tunnels, hoping that they'd find something to either eat or fight with. Listening to the distance hissing and chattering from the unruly sand tribe, Malum hid a grin and finished flame hardening the last of the stakes, he then picked them up and headed off to start planting them.

Dropping the stakes on the pile, the fiery warrior watched as Fuar and Ralos took turns digging holes for the stakes while several beetles clicked impatiently for them to get a move on.

A distant roar from the direction of the hot springs caused the agori to pause in what they were doing then hurried to finish their preparations while the Glatorian readied their weapons and took up positions around the cave entrances.

xXx

As the Skrall and Bone hunters crashed into the first set of traps, Stronius grabbed Bàigh's arm and dragged her over a spike-laden hole. Closing her ears to the snarls and howls of the other Skrall as they tried to avoid the traps, Bàigh focused on keeping her balance.

Finding a space, Stronius glanced round then swiftly launched himself forward, dragging Bàigh behind him.

Further back, Warlord Nektann watched as the Skrall surged forward, "What a bunch of fools." he laughed coldly before signalling to the Skakdi to pick up the pace. The heat Rahkshi hissed excitedly as they followed, leaving a tangled mess of molten sand behind them.

Bracing themselves as the Bone hunters and Skrall came thundering into sight, Tahu and Takanuva glanced at each other, grinned wolfishly and readied themselves to fight.

Bàigh stumbled as her foot twisted beneath her then shouted in pain as Stronius picked up speed. Suddenly something caught Bàigh's shoulders and dragged her from the ground and into one of the trees. As her wrenched ankle hit a branch, Bàigh's helmet flew off when her head struck the trunk and she slumped in the branches, knocked unconscious by the force of the blow.

The other Skrall ploughed on, unaware of the other traps awaiting them. Stronius managed to rejoin Tuma as the Skrall leader avoided a trap that had seemed to appear from thin air. The green/black Skrall slashed at the netting strung between the trees then barged through the tattered remains, cursing angrily as he went.

"Looks like those traps are...whoa did you see that one taking flying lessons!" Gresh exclaimed as the Skrall beside Stronius was suddenly dragged into a tree by its shoulders. "Yes, now stay focused, I don't want to have to pick up the pieces." Tahu replied.

The fiery Toa was stood to one side, the air around him shimmering with heat as he focused his element. "I'll keep an eye on him." Takanuva said before chuckling when Tahu retorted that he was just as bad, "And if you return hurt, I will, no doubt, spend the rest of my days some weird and hideous colour scheme."

"That's true, Anuenue's wicked sense of humour's rubbed off on Amaya."