A/N – Hey-o! Long-time no post, huh? The holidays and recovering from the school term - I passed all my courses thank god! - as well as being thrust back into another April-like lockdown took up a lot of time. But, here I am, and I have a long chapter ahead for you, filled with intense moments, suspense, and, of course, my own take! I am going to be changing things from the original, only because I have a lot of better ideas that make a lot more sense!
So, buckle up, grab the popcorn, and get ready to hold on!
Also, I'm not apologizing for my last A/N. just because there's now a vaccine, doesn't mean everything's going to instantly return to normal. This kind of thing takes time…
And to anyone in the States, I'm almost sorry… but Trump is a MORON. He lost, fair and square, and is now acting like a spoiled child who lost. Because he is a spoiled brat who doesn't know when to stop crying because he didn't get what he wanted. I've seen FOUR YEAR OLDS with better behaviour than him!
Ahem! Now that I got that out of my system, let's get onto the story! And also, another late night post. Yay… I blame my cats. Stinkers…
Disclaimer: I don't own Bionicle, only my OC Emma and little portions of the plot. Credit to MakutaMutran for letting me use his novelizations of the overall canon as the basis for my plot (as in what's going on canonically). Also, don't own the movie 'Legends of Metru Nui'. That's LEGO's, even if I feel they no longer deserve it after abandoning it.
The transport rumbled along as the twin suns fully set below the horizon, casting the world into darkness. Inside the last transport, tucked in the deep interior, Emma was curled up in an empty cubby. There were a few, and given this was the last part of the train…
Emma sighed, curling up tighter in the cubby. She was tired, cold, hungry… and her head POUNDED. This day was just so… crazy. And it all started with that damn storm. That stupid, stupid storm…
The girl curled up tighter in the cubby, trying to stay warm and rest despite her complaining stomach. She barely looked up hearing footsteps, or when she saw a blue form sit just outside the cubby.
Nokama gently reached in and rubbed her clothed arm gently. "Emma?" She asked softly. The human girl glanced at her, and the Toa was alarmed to see what looked like dark marks under her organic eyes. "Emma…" She reached out to gently touch the human's face, but Emma only sighed and turned away. "Leave me alone…" she muttered, wincing as stomach complained.
Nokama took notice, and quickly pulled something out of her subspace. She set it next to the girl, saying softly, "Here. Eat these. They'll help."
Emma didn't respond, and after a few clicks the Water Toa gently squeezed her shoulder before standing and heading back to the rear where her brothers were. The girl just remained curled up for some time more, before her stomach got to her and she turned over to grab the container. She sat fully up in the cubby, small compared to it, and opened the container. Inside were pieces of a fleshy blue fruit that reminded her of a watermelon, and Emma munched on a piece. It was kinda bland, but definitely rich with juice, thus both satisfying her hunger and quenching her thirst. The human youth eagerly ate as many pieces as she could, just so hungry and thirsty from the very long and harsh day.
Finally, she finished up, and with a sigh set the half-full container just outside the cubby, before turning back and curling into a ball. She was tired – no, exhausted – and her head still pounded, though not as bad as before. The girl curled up inside the hexagon-shaped cubby, and just… let her eyes drift close.
Her feet pounded the ground as she ran, her breath caught in her throat as she fled. But she knew that if she even stopped, just for a second, that the shadow monster would catch her and it would all be over. So she ran, and ran and ran, down a never-ending plain that left her wondering if there would be any escape. But then, light exploded before her, like a beacon.
However, she found no safety there, feeling nothing but cold from the harsh golden glow. And the shadows behind her were closing fast, trapping her in. Panic setting in, she looked around wildly, before dashing to the side. She screamed when a tendril of black shadows slammed before her, and backpedaling she tried to flee the other way. But a harsh beam of light stopped her, and trembling she backed up, feeling the two opposing energies, powers, closing in.
"You cannot escape your fate, little child…" a dark voice purred from the shadows behind her, twin crimson eyes lighting up the pure black. His voice was familiar, and yet NOT… "give in…"
Harsh cackling came from the glowing light. "C'mon my little weapon. It's time to go HOME. You cannot escape me…" this voice the girl knew by heart. It was the one that terrified her in her sleep, tortured her nightmares and haunted her memories… "Come back to me my weapon… there's much to prepare for…"
She trembled, stumbling back, and squeaked feeling cold shadows wrap around her waist. "No! Let me go!" She struggled, and the light lashed out, striking the shadows. "No! She's mine!"
The shadows chuckled darkly. A sound that sent chills down the girl's spine. "'Yours'? No little light… this child will not escape my grasp…"
She felt more and more terror grow inside her, scared and confused. Her mind struggled to comprehend. What was going on?!
The shadows and light curled around her, like a swirling typhoon of clashing energies. Shapes emerged from them, shapes of Vahki, the Hunters, Morbuzakh vines and other shapes she knew but could not name. The girl grasped her head, becoming overwhelmed even as the two scary voices got louder and louder. This continued until she couldn't take it anymore, and she let out a blood-curdling SCREAM...
If the Toa had been expecting anything, it certainly wasn't to hear Emma let out a scream that could chill the heart. The three rushed to her, worried that something may have happened…
Only to see the girl thrashing inside the cubby, screaming like she was being bodily harmed and with thick tears spilling down her reddening yet also very pale face. They quickly tried to grab her, tried to calm her down, but whatever she was dreaming held her firm.
"What do we do?!" Matau exclaimed, helping to pin the child down as she thrashed. "That Vahki at the train-front may hear her and we'll all be snatch-captured!"
"She's trapped in a night-terror Matau!" Nokama snapped, still irritated with her brother from what occurred earlier. "We need to wake her up!"
"But how do we do THAT?!" The Toa of Air snapped back, before biting back a strangled yell as Emma kicked out, hitting a partially… sensitive spot with the soles of her shoe.
Vakama winced seeing that out of the corner of his eye, before focusing on holding Emma's shoulders and chest against the side of the cubby carefully, while Nokama pinned her legs. It was like she was trying to run from something… thrashing to escape...
The girl kept screaming, and suddenly Vakama had a thought. What if Emma wasn't having a night-terror… but… a vision?
Was it possible? Could her species even get visions like he could? But then again… what did he know about her species? Other than being bipedal like his species, lacking internal elements and purely organic…
Taking a deep breath, even as her screaming assaulted his ears, the Toa pressed his forehead against hers. To a Matoran, this was a symbol of affection, of caring and a bond between two beings. It could mean many things, but right now… it was a way to connect to the girl who needed his help. Emma… please…
He honestly didn't know what to do. If she was in a vision could he pull her out? What if he couldn't? What then?
That's when Vakama saw the Translation Stone on Emma's neck, and grasped it gently on a whim. Maybe…
The stone glowed softly from the touch, and Vakama winced slightly before taking a deep breath. Then, he spoke softly.
"Shh… it's okay Emma. You can wake up now…" The alien words felt strange and organic, as even though he could understand them in Matoran he could still register their strange sounds. "It is just a dream… a night-terror… you're okay now… you're safe little gi… you're safe…"
Vakama wasn't sure if the words actually got through to Emma, but he kept speaking softly, quietly, calmly, trying to settle her down. And slowly, surely, the screams died away, and finally her organic eyes cracked open. The girl's face was soaked in salty tears, and she started crying again, blubbering words in her native tongue and sounding distressed. The Fire Toa gently let the Stone go so it could rest against her again, before holding her close in his arms as she sobbed, shaking and just so scared…
Slowly, carefully, Vakama turned to his brother and sister Toa, letting them see the shivering, shaking and crying child he held in his arms. Yes… she was a child… an innocent, scared child who needed them… needed them to protect her…
Matau and Nokama moved and sat on either side of their Fire Brother, though the Air Toa was obviously still smarting from the blow he had been given. But even still, he reached over and gently rubbed her shoulders, trying to give comfort. The girl flinched from the touch at first, before whimpering and grasping at his hand. Matau let her snuggle it, feeling her heart fluttering wildly in her chest from the proximity. The poor girl was so scared…
Nokama gently rubbed her back, feeling Emma shiver under her touch before curling into a ball. The child — because their Toa Instincts screamed that she was one — pressed closer to Vakama, who kept his arms wrapped tightly around her as they all just sat together. Emma's head was tucked against Vakama's chest, letting her hear the strong, steady tri-beat of his heart. She slowly calmed from the attention, but continued to snuggle, soaking up the sheer feeling of SAFETY the Toa gave her. As the night droned on, the three Toa continued to comfort the young girl, and eventually they all dozed off. The sight of the Toa curled protectively around one relatively small human girl, willing to protect her with everything they had, was quite the sight. But for the three... she… she was their little gi… family...
And they'd not let any more harm come to a member of their family.
When Emma woke, her mind was a little fuzzy… but the girl did notice the nice, cozy and snuggly warmth around her…
As well as the metal poking her.
"Mphet…" the girl mumbled, cracking her eyes open and looking around blearily… Wha…?
Emma stared blankly. Why were the Toa curled around her…?
Then, her memory came back, and she turned crimson. Oh lord… she'd had another nightmare and they had to deal with her! Purely embarrassed, she tried to carefully get out of their grip, squirming and trying not to wake them. For whatever reason, either because they were extremely exhausted or something, Emma was able to get out of their grasps without waking them. She yawned, stretching and feeling her spine crack a bit, before looking back at the three Toa. They looked peaceful, even cozy… Emma decided to leave them alone. Her head felt better, her concussion mostly dealt with thanks to the healing energy and the strange medicine… and Emma remembered important details.
I just hope we haven't missed our stop. She thought to herself, looking out the back. It was dark out, night having long since fallen, and she went to go sit on the ledge. As she stepped out, a chilly night air greeted her, along with the sight of massive buildings made of dark materials. They were obviously no longer in Ko-Metru, as there was zero snow on the ground, or any white. So judging by the dark buildings and remembering what the Toa had earlier told her…
"Onu-Metru…" Emma murmured softly. The District of Earth was between Ko-Metru and Po-Metru, so they were probably about halfway there…
The girl looked up, barely seeing the sky through the buildings as the convoy travelled. In fact, a lot of the same buildings seemed to be everywhere. A lot of similar buildings for a district supposed to be dedicated to history...
Upon closer look, Emma realized that these weren't buildings like those that made up a lot of the other districts… Wait are those… balconies? She took a closer look and— yep. There were small balconies. These are all apartments. Emma realized, her eyes widening. Of course! Onu-Matoran are sensitive to light! That means that they must have all the important stuff underground for during the day, and then come up here at night. Huh, no wonder Whenua was always squinting… oh I hope he, Onewa and Nuju are alright...
The girl sighed, pulling her knees up to her chest. Yes, she didn't exactly like Onewa, and Whenua, though kind, was a bit intimidating, and while Nuju did care, he often acted kinda cold…
But they were still her friends, even if they may not consider her one. Then again, did Emma really know them, outside from what the movies showed? The girl pulled her legs closer, shivering a little. Still, she hoped that they were okay and found Lhikan, otherwise everything was going to go sideways and Makuta would win.
And then we'd all be screwed. The thirteen year old sighed. If everything didn't go as the movie did… as the entire plot she knew of did… then the future would be different… possibly completely evil and dark…
She shivered at the thought, curling against the side of the open back of the transport. Was this why she was here? To help the future she knew come to be? Or… something else? Was she simply in a coma? Stuck in a dream? But everything felt so real…
Emma yawned and curled up, tired still from everything. She knew that she should probably go back to the three Toa… but, she didn't. She instead dozed off huddled against the wall by the open back of the transport, the motion of its legs rocking her back into sleep…
She was standing on a cliff, overlooking Metru Nui…
The city-island was shrouded in darkness, shadows weaving through the streets. The screams of Matoran filled her ears, their terror-filled wails screaming for salvation. A spire of red light was rising in the centre of the city, the Coliseum tower crumbling as it rose. Webs of sickly green energy spread out from its base, joining the shadows as the Matoran were engulfed in the evil energies.
Emma wanted to scream, to run over and do, do something-!
She gasped as she suddenly found a glass wall before her, and she banged her fists against it. "NO! NO STOP! THIS ISN'T HOW THE STORY ENDS!"
But the girl's screams fell upon deaf ears, and she watched helplessly as the city was engulfed, the screaming fading. Tears ran rampant down her face as she screamed, before horror filled her as she saw a cocoon of green rise from each Metru. Despite the distance, she could see who was in each one…
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as she heard the Toa Metru start screaming in agony, their bodies horribly mutating before her eyes. Emma smashed her fists against the glass, her face twisted in emotional agony as the screams turned into animalistic howls, before the cocoons exploded. Six horribly mutated forms, once her friends, let out savage howls as the girl cried, sinking to her knees. No! NO! This wasn't how it was supposed to end!
Suddenly, pain shot through her body, and she started screaming as bones cracked and snapped, her skin breaking as she felt her body warp painfully. Her wailing filled the air as pain like pure fire raced through her, changing her-!
"...Emma-friend? Kid, wake up! Emma-!" The Toa of Air jerked back as the girl sat bolt upright, panting hard as tears streamed, a scream caught in her throat. Matau quickly drew her into a hug, feeling her small, organic hands latch onto his armour shakily. "Hey… it's okay-fine Emma-friend… you're safe-fine… it's okay…" he soothed gently, rubbing her back. The Toa let out a soft breath as she sobbed into his chest, glancing back at his Toa brother and sister as they got up from where they had been sleeping. They had gotten a decent rest… but not the kid. Her sleep seemed to be plagued with night-terrors… but she was just a youngling. This was probably traumatizing for her, exhausting, all this action… was it even wise to be exposing her to this?
Matau gently rubbed Emma's back, picking her up gently and carrying her over to the others. Nokama looked up as she saw her brother come over with the shaken girl, and was surprised when she saw him slide Emma's translation stone off. "Brother…?"
"Nokama-sister… is it smart-wise to bring Emma-friend into any more harsh-battles?" Matau asked softly. "She had a nasty-bad night-terror."
Nokama sighed, looking at her air brother. He obviously didn't want Emma to hear any of this… "And what would you have us do Matau?" She asked, placing her hand on Emma's back and giving her a little healing energy she'd managed to replenish. "Leave her alone, somewhere that she may be more vulnerable?"
Matau bit his mask's lip, not liking the point his sister made. "But… Nokama-sister, remember the Morbuzahk? And the seedlings? Emma-friend was bad-hurt both times… it's why Vakama-brother hid her in his apartment when we went underground and fought-battled the Krahka. To keep her safe." He tried to point out, but Vakama's voice cut in.
"While that's true Matau, that was before we went to the Coliseum." The Fire Toa said, standing to his feet. "All of Metru Nui saw her, and how Dume put a warrant out for all of us. Now if any Matoran finds her while she's alone, all they need to do is call a Vahki. And I doubt those elders who helped us before will be around to help again." He rested a hand on Matau's shoulder, his warm eyes looking saddened. "I don't like her being in this as much as you do, but right now the safest place for her is with us, where we can protect her."
Matau sighed sadly at the truth behind his Fire Brother's words, and looked down at the girl in his arms. He blinked, surprised. She was sleeping…
Emma's eyes were closed, but she had a small smile on her face. Her breaths were soft and even… she was having a peaceful sleep.
Nokama smiled softly. "And I think right now, she's in a very safe place."
Matau felt his heart warm as he held the girl close, rubbing her back gently. He already felt attached to the kid… he didn't mind keeping her safe. "I wonder what she's happy-dreaming…" he asked softly.
The Toa of Water chuckled softly at that, while Vakama went to the back. He looked out, and saw that they were on a bridge, the dark silhouette of Onu-Metru shrinking behind them. "Looks like we've left Onu-Metru… probably won't be long until we're in Po-Metru."
"And then what?" Matau asked quietly, settling down carefully against a wall of the interior, Emma tucked close to his chest.
Vakama didn't answer, but he didn't have to. "We find Toa Lhikan and then rescue the others." Nokama answered softly. "It's the only plan we have."
Matau blinked before nodding, settling back. They had a few more hours before they would disembark, so they could settle back and rest… while they could. The Toa of Air looked at the girl sleeping in his arms, seeing her sleeping so peacefully…
Rest well Emma-friend… we don't know what will bad-happen next. He gently stroked her head, holding her close. The next time they were in a fight… he'd protect her. No matter what.
It was close to dawn when the four stowaways finally disembarked from the rear of the train.
As the Vahki transport went around a sharp curve, the three Toa Metru and one human girl leaped out. They were well inside Po-Metru now and there was no point risking discovery by the Vahki at the wheel. They tumbled to safety, staying low until the transport was safely out of sight.
"Stick close." Matau whispered as the group got up. "Bad things happen in the desert."
"Th-they do?" Emma asked a little nervously, scared. After the day before she really, really wasn't looking forward to having anything else go wrong.
Before the Toa of Air could say anything, Nokama, lighting a lamp, replied, "Don't listen to him, Emma, he doesn't know what he's talking about."
"Fine. Don't listen to me, teacher." Matau retorted, a little disappointed that she had to spoil his joke. Though he did wrap an arm around Emma; he never meant to scare her. "It was just a joke." He whispered to the girl, only to grunt as she elbowed his torso unhappy. "It was very lame then!" The thirteen year old hissed, before pulling out of his grip and making a fist at him. The Air Toa quickly put his hands up in surrender.
Nokama rolled her eyes at the two, before holding the lantern up and looking around. "An assemblers' village." She noted, although it was obvious to all where they were.
The village consisted of a broad avenue and a series of buildings. Scattered about were machines, furniture and statues, all of them half-finished. It was tucked within a wide canyon, shielded on two sides from the other elements of the desert. This was normal for such a place, but something else set the group on edge.
The village was abandoned.
Doors banged open and closed in the wind. Tools lay where they had been dropped. Emma's eyes narrowed as she noticed a stack of silver spheres near one of the buildings, similar to the ones on the transport. And as she moved closer she could've sworn she heard something like multiple tri-heartbeats coming from them. She would've investigated further, but Vakama tapped her shoulder; they were being left behind, so they ran to keep up with the rest of the Toa.
This place feels wrong-bad. Matau thought warily. "Hello?" He shouted. No one answered the call, except for his own echoes. Puzzled, the Toa of Air turned to Nokama and said, "Guess they all quick-sped."
"Builders do not abandon their projects without good reason." The Toa of Water said with a frown, shaking her head.
Vakama stopped at that, and asked, "Then, where is everyone?"
None of them had an answer… except for one.
"Hello, anybody here?" Emma called out, but, just like last time, there was nothing but an echo. "Oh man..." she really didn't like this. And the girl had a good suspicion, but thought the better of speaking up. After all, what would happen if she spoke up about the Matoran? About where they were…
"We should stick together, to be safe." Nokama started to say as Emma rounded a corner, before the Toa heard a muffled scream.
"Emma!" Vakama shouted, racing over just as they heard a voice call out, "Over here Toa!"
"Krekka!" Vakama snarled as the white armoured Hunter burst out of a hut, launching energy bolts at the three Toa Metru.
Moving quickly, Nokama spun her axes and deflected Krekka's blasts, shielding her two brothers. Then all three Toa dove for cover behind one of the buildings. But they had hardly hit the ground before Matau was ready to charge back out again.
"A Toa-hero knows no fear!" He declared as he raced into the street. Krekka's next blast missed him, and the Toa of Air crowed, "You'll have to do better than that!"
But with his focus on Krekka, Matau never noticed Nidhiki come up from behind, releasing a beam of green energy from his mouth that quickly met its target. Matau fell to the ground with a startled cry and found that, to his horror, no matter how much he tried, he couldn't move, let alone get up. The green energy was messing with his motor functions.
As the Air Toa thrashed in his restraints, Nidhiki stepped into view… a squirming Emma tied up in a pincer. "Foolish Matoran." The insectoid Hunter hissed, before raising his voice. "Unless you surrender, the organic filth gets hurt!"
Emma snarled, kicking with her legs, arms bound by her wrists in energy cuffs behind her. "You're the filth you freakazoid!" She snarled, only to cry in pain as Nidhiki dropped her to the ground. "Oops, my bad~" He smirked, picking her up. "I forgot that organics are so much more- AGH!" He cried out as Emma spat in his face, before she snarled, "And you have no clue how feisty humans are!" She then lashed out with a foot, aiming between two of his legs. She hit her target, and with a barely withheld cry Nidhiki dropped her, before crumpling to the ground. She'd hit the only spot that could crumple any male.
Emma yelped as she was dropped, before struggling to get to her feet despite her bonds. It was then a giant hand snagged the back of her jacket, and she thrashed as Krekka picked her up. "Let me go you one-eyed freak!" She snarled, kicking out again, but the white Hunter held her out at arms length. "Not this time…" Krekka grinned at her.
Nidhiki growled as he got up, his already mutated face partly twisted in pain. "That… was a big mistake… filthy organic..." The green armoured Hunter snarled, glaring the girl.
Then, he back-handed Emma with a pincer, making her scream in pain. "And that is for what you just did!"
"NO!" "Vakama!" Nokama cried out as her Fire Brother jumped out from hiding, before rushing out as well.
"Let them go Nidhiki!" Vakama snarled, but the green Hunter cackled. "Why should I?" He smirked, thinking that he finally had them. "Now, drop your weapons…" he opened a pincer, placing it around Emma's throat and making her freeze, "or we find out what her blood looks like after I take her head off."
Vakama felt his blood freeze in horror as he watched Nidhiki's sharp pincer hover inches from the girl's neck. Suddenly, he was plunged back, to the moment when Lhikan had been taken…
Flashback…
Nidhiki smirked, calling out, "Brother…"
"No help me please!" Matoran Vakama cried out, terrified as Nidhiki suspended him high above the bubbling molten protodermis below. Even his Ta-Matoran body couldn't withstand the molten material.
The Matoran could see the horror on his friend's mask, and Lhikan quickly brought his two blades up as if to attack. But then, he relaxed his tense stance, and put his blades together to form his sky surfboard. Even as the Toa threw it down and Krekka leaped down to bind his wrists, he stood defiant.
Vakama could feel despair set in. Why?! Why was Lhikan surrendering?!
"Compassion…" Nidhiki's hiss reminded the terrified Matoran of his predicament, "was always your weakness," he raised Vakama high above the vat of molten protodermis, "brother…"
And then he dropped the Ta-Matoran.
Vakama screamed as he fell, but only for a brief second. It was then that he impacted the board Lhikan had kicked, the tool catching him and carrying him to safety…
Present day...
Vakama still remembered the terror of those few clicks, and still hadn't understood why Lhikan had given himself up to save his sorry rear…
Until now.
Seeing the terror in Emma's eyes, the helplessness as the pincer's edges got closer to her neck, threatening to break the delicate hide…
Heck, even Matau, who was bound and unable to move… defend himself…
Both helpless… just like he had been.
"Alright!" Vakama snarled, before grabbing his Disk Launcher and throwing it down. "We'll surrender."
"No!" "Vakama-brother!" Both Emma and Matau were horrified, but Nidhiki was intrigued. For a brief moment, in Vakama's place was Lhikan. Both had shared such similar stances of defiance when a life they cared for was in danger…
They even shared the same facial expression of defiance.
"Very well Matoran… I didn't plan on staining my claws anyways." Nidhiki cackled, moving away from Emma towards the defiant Toa of Fire. "Now, you shall join your precious Toa Lhikan in capture…"
But just as Nidhiki reached out to grab the red armoured Toa… the ground started to shake. As everyone went off balance, Krekka dropped Emma, making the girl yelp as he cried out, "What's going on?!" He then turned to Nidhiki, who was struggling to stay balanced on the shaking ground. "Are you doing that?!"
"Now what?" Nidhiki snarled, ignoring his dimwitted partner. He'd been so close to capturing the new Toa, and now-!
The ground's trembling only got worse, like a crescendo getting closer to some sort of catastrophic climax. The shaking caused boulders and rocks to tumble over the edges of the canyon. "Bio-quake?" The Toa of Fire looked to the Water Toa for an answer.
It wasn't reassuring. "Worse!" Nokama replied, her voice filled with terror as her eyes looked at something in the distance.
A cloud of dust had appeared behind the far edge of the village, closing in on the six. From out of that cloud emerged a herd of fearsome beasts, many times the size of a Toa. Large bipeds, their powerful hind legs propelled them forward in huge leaps and bounds like a rabbit's or kangaroo's. A large horn was on each of their noses like rhinos, and made the herd look like a spiked wall on the march, though they lacked the fangs of a predator. Their eyes burned red with a rage, and deep roars came from their mouths as they stormed through the village.
"Kikanalo!" Nokama shouted in alarm.
The eyes of the Dark Hunters went wide as they saw the herd bearing down upon them. "l hate those things!" Krekka yelped. His massive form moved amazingly fast as he scrambled to the top of a nearby tower, abandoning the girl he once held captive. "I'm outta here."
"No!" Nidhiki. "Stay low!"
But Krekka wasn't listening, and Nidhiki had no more time to worry about him. He dove into a construction trench as the herd thundered closer.
Both Emma and Matau struggled desperately in their bonds, the girl and Air Toa terrified as the stampeding Kikanalo closed in on them. Then, Vakama rushed forwards, getting to Matau first. He quickly used some of his flame power to fizzle out the energy binds, and hauled his brother to his feet. At the same time, Nokama rushed to Emma, scooping the girl up before bolting with her.
The Toa quickly fled into an abandoned hut, hiding inside. Vakama quickly took the moment to use his energies to break Emma's bonds, freeing her. "You alright?" He asked, worried.
Emma shook, rather put off by almost having her head taken off. "I… I think I w-will be…" the girl was quickly pulled into the Fire Toa's arms as tears started to fall. That had been terrifying…
Matau glanced outside, finally able to feel most of his body. He winced as a hut crumbled under the weight of some of the herd. "Guys, I think we should quick-flee." He stated. "The rahi-beasts are-!"
"Nonsense." Nokama replied, barely grimacing at more shaking. "This is the sturdiest structure in the village."
"Nokama..." Vakama began, getting worried, feeling the increasing tremors as he began to stand, Emma blinking up at him scared.
The Toa of Water cut her brother off. "We're staying-"
Suddenly, three Kikanalo crashed through the ceiling of the building. Finding themselves closed in, the beasts panicked and began leaping wildly about, slamming into the walls again and again. In desperation, Matau grabbed Nokama and Vakama and hurled them out the window before grabbing Emma and following himself.
He had acted just in time. Behind them, the building exploded as the angry Kikanalo kicked it to pieces. Once free, they leaped away to join the herd.
Nokama looked at Matau, stunned and lue eyes wide. "I was wrong. You were right, my brother."
"It's amazing what you can learn when you're not always speak-teaching." Matau replied, holding back a snort and an 'I told you so.'
The approach of more Kikanalo ended the argument as the group quickly fled. They were barely staying ahead of the beasts, whose horns swiped dangerously close to the four. In the lead was an aged Kikanalo, his hide covered with strange markings and old scars. The beast gave an impatient snort as he tried to catch up to the Toa Metru.
At that moment, Nokama started, and turned to look at her brother. "What did you say?" She asked Matau, confused. Why would he shout at her to stop?
"l didn't say-!" Matau stopped in mid-sentence. Nokama's mask had become illuminated, but the Toa of Water did not seem to notice. "Why the mask-glow?" He asked, stunned.
Realization dawned on the Water Toa. Wait, could it be?
Then Nokama did the most amazing, shocking thing any of them could ever imagine, under the circumstances: she stopped running. She simply stopped, with a Kikanalo stampede practically on top of her.
The other Toa and Emma had already jumped into another construction trench, only to be alarme seeing Nokama facing down the herd.
"Nokama?!" Vakama shouted in alarm. What was she thinking-?!
"Nokama no!" Emma cried out, and against her better judgment, climbed out of the trench and raced towards her friend.
"Emma stop!" Vakama tried to grab her, but the girl was already out of the Toa's reach. Cursing under his breath, he jumped out after the girl, leaving a startled Matau behind.
But Nokama was paying none of them any mind. She turned to face the onrushing beasts as if they were nothing to fear, standing her ground. The lead Kikanalo gave out an angry snort as it closed in on her.
The Toa of Water responded with a similar sound, and raised her hand as if to say 'Stop!'. The lead Kikanalo, looking stunned, skidded to a stop, paws digging into the sand. The other beasts stopped as well, not in a pileup but like a well-drilled Vahki squad despite the suddenness.
And the lead rahi's snout was barely an inch from Nokama's hand.
At that moment Matau whooped in joy, while Vakama stopped and had to rub his eyes from the shock. Emma couldn't believe it, even as she now slowly made her way up to the Water Toa. "Nokama…?"
The elder Kikanalo snorted aggressively at the Toa who stood before him, which made the girl jump back scared. But Nokama just stared into his eyes as a new world opened up for her. Turning back to the Toa, she said excitedly, "Brothers… my mask power!" It was now apparent that Nokama wore a Kanohi Rau, the Great Mask of Translation. The mask allowed the user to translate and communicate in any written or spoken language. She turned back to the lead Kikanalo for a few seconds, and listened as it snorted and roared, though less intense. She then turned to the Toa again. "The chief wants to know… why we are allied… with Dark Hunters." Nokama translated slowly, still awed by her new abilities. She had taught languages yes… but never could she have imagined this...
Vakama could not believe what he was hearing, but given all the craziness of recently decided to just roll with it. "Um…tell him we're not." He said to his sister, still a little unsure. "We seek a friend who's been taken by the Hunters."
Nokama turned her attention back to the Kikanalo chief and gave a series of animalistic grunts and snorts. The elder beast responded in kind, his body language relaxing as he let out a softer roar. "'You are free to pass,'" Nokama translated slowly, "'since we are both against the Hunters who trespass the beauty of the Herdlands…'"
"Beauty? Ha! Where?" Matau asked Vakama with a rough bump. "And who knew Kikanalo could think-talk? I just thought they were dumb beasts."
The elder Kikanalo grunted. Nokama chuckled as she reported, "Kikanalo still think the same of tall green Matoran."
As Matau scoffed and went to correct the rahi, Emma just kinda stared. Even though she'd seen it in a movie, this whole translation thing still left her shocked. Wait, if these Kikanalo are intelligent, does that mean…?
She suddenly yipped, feeling a snout poke her side, and she turned to see a smaller Kikanalo nosing her, sniffing a little. Though, small was a relative term, as it was still bigger than she was, which made her uncomfortable. "Umm… nice Kikanalo…" she backed up slowly from it, only to squeak as another muzzle sniffed her back. She quickly pulled away from it, only to find herself surrounded on all sides by smaller Kikanalo. She froze, terrified as their muzzles poked her, sniffing her and even pawing a little. It got too much for her then, and the girl quickly started to squirm, trying to get away without setting off a stampede. "Umm, help?!" She called to the Toa, only to see them busy with the elder.
A whimper escaped her throat, her breathing picking up as the young herd-members closed in on her. While not many knew this, she was claustrophobic. Well, not really. It was more like cleithrophobia.
In either case, she hated being trapped in an enclosed space, unable to escape, barely able to move…
There was a loud snort, before an adult Kikanalo pushed through, and Emma yelped as it picked her up by the back of her jacket. It rumbled softly, as if to comfort her, and carried the girl back to the Toa, who were now staring in shock. The rahi gently set her down, and nosed her over to the Toa. Emma was all the more happy to rush over, and quickly put herself in the middle of them. This was an enclosed space she could deal with!
One of the younglings then bound up to the chief, and seemed to grunt something to him. The elder snorted, before turning to Nokama and rumbling.
The Toa of Water blinked, before saying, "They've decided."
Vakama looked at her surprised, even as Emma decided to hide behind him. "Decided what?"
At this, Nokama couldn't help but chuckle. "That Emma's some kind of Matoran-rahi mix."
The two male Toa blinked, before they let out snorts of amusement. Emma just whined. "It's not funny!" She then yelped as the elder nuzzled her, eyes going huge.
He rumbled softly, and Nokama smiled softly as she translated. "It's alright Emma. He's apologizing for how the young ones behaved."
The girl blinked in surprise, before looking at the chief. He rumbled softly, almost like a purr, and hesitantly she rested a hand on his snout. He pressed into it, and Emma's eyes widened. "Wow…"
The one who had carried Emma away from the younger herd-members snorted, and the elder rumbled back, nudging the girl over to Nokama. The Toa quickly translated. "The chief is offering us to ride on their backs. Apparently, he feels as though it's safer given we have a 'foal' with us."
Emma blinked, before realizing what he meant. "What?! I'm not a baby!"
Vakama chuckled, though he didn't seem to feel the same amount of humour. "No, but you are as small as one." He wrapped an arm around her protectively.
The girl whined. So not cool…
The group rode across the desert plains of Po-Metru on Kikanalo, with Nokama on the elder, Emma and Vakama on the one who got the girl away from the younglings, apparently the elder's mate, and Matau was riding on another old male, who seemed to be the herd's second. Behind them, the rest of the herd followed close behind, the younglings and a few foals kept in the center.
During the ride, Vakama hadn't said a word to Emma, who sat behind him. Even now, as dawn approached, he remained silent. It made the girl worry. Had she made him mad somehow?
Just as she opened her mouth to speak to him, Matau whooped excitedly.
"Only a great Toa-rider could tame a wild Kikanalo-beast!" The Air Toa crowed, only to have his Kikanalo ride buck him off. The next thing he knew, he was hanging upside down due to his foot being caught in the Rahi's vertebrae cables. With the rahi still walking, he couldn't pull himself up.
Emma nearly fell off her mount, she started laughing so hard, tears of mirth sliding down. It was only the fact that her grip had tightened around the Fire Toa's waist that kept her from ending up in a similar position. Though she noticed Vakama wasn't really as amused.
"It seems a great Toa-rider just got tamed." Nokama chuckled from her perch on the elder Kikanolo, who rumbled in agreement.
The Kikanalo second groaned in a way that sounded like it was laughing, obviously having enjoyed that. Matau, however, was not amused. "Very funny. Very, very funny." He scowled with his arms crossed in front of his chest. That, sadly, made him look more ridiculous given his upside down position.
"Stop laughing!" He whined when they laughed harder.
Eventually, the group settled as Matau's mount stopped to allow him to climb back up. The Air Toa was a little more ginger now, not eager to be bucked off again.
Emma giggled lightly as the Toa of Air yelped when his mount shifted, before she looked at Vakama. The Fire Toa was looking ahead so intently…
"I'm disappointed in you."
It took Emma a moment to realize he was talking to her, and she winced. "Vakama…"
"No." She flinched at the sternness in his voice. "You could have been killed by Nidhiki after wandering off, just like you could have been imprisoned by the Vahki after leaving our sights during the Tahtorak attack." No, it wasn't sternness… it was disappointment… "And now, you just ran headlong into danger! Emma, those Kikanalo could've killed you!"
"But… V-Vakama they-" she flinched as the Toa snarled at her. "They would have! Regardless of whether Nokama could have communicated with them or not! And the fact you just ran at them! And before you say anything, the only reason I'm not also angry at Nokama is because she's an adult, and a Toa. You are neither. You're young, vulnerable, and damn it Emma you've nearly been killed several times in the past two days!"
The girl wilted under his harsh words, but she knew he was right…
"And Emma, you were having night-terrors almost all night! You know that means you had been badly scared, Karzahni even traumatized!" A hint of worry filled Vakama's voice, even as Nokama breathed sharply at the curse. "When you started screaming… I thought you were being attacked. And that… that…" Emma was startled as he reached a hand up to his face, wiping something away. Is he… crying?
Sure enough, a small line of fluid was trailing from his eye. The Toa of Fire… he was crying.
"We were all so scared for you Emma… you never should have been dragged into this fight." Vakama said softly. "You should be at your home… safe from all of this…"
There was silence between them after that, and Vakama sighed softly. He just wanted Emma to know how much she had scared him… being captured twice in less than a day...
After several clicks of the girl remaining silent, the Fire Toa sighed, making a decision. "From now on… you are not leaving my side unless I say otherwise, understood?" His time left no room for argument...
Emma whined, but didn't protest. She felt upset… with herself. If she hadn't wandered off, she wouldn't have been captured…
If it hadn't been for the herd, they would have been captured… and it would have been all my fault…
She became downcast, pressing her face into the Fire Toa's back as she held back tears. All she seemed to do was get in the way…
Matau and Nokama shared worried looks from their mounts.
As dawn broke Po-Metru, the twin suns shed their light on the canyons. In the process, it washed over the robotic forms of Vahki Zadakh in a massive valley. Powerful and aggressive, they would not shrink from a fight with a thousand Toa, let alone three plus an organic. Worse, one bolt from their tools and a victim became so suggestible that he or she would accept orders from anyone. Anyone who got stunned by a Zadakh could be made to turn on friends in an instant. In other words… very, very scary.
And they were guarding a doorway the shape of a mask that opened to a tunnel that led underground.
"Vahki… hundreds of them…" Matau breathed shaken by the organized robots below. He, Vakama, Nokama, Emma, and the Kikanalo were hidden on a cliff high above the robotic protectors, staring at them with wide eyes. There had to be something extremely important hidden down there if there were this many Vahki guarding the doorway.
The Kikanalo elder grunted, and Nokama translated, "The place of unending whispers." She murmured. "That tunnel must lead to where Toa Lhikan is."
"What should we do?" Emma asked softly, well aware of Vakama looking at her. She knew he was wanting to protect her... "How do we get in there with them in the way?"
The Toa glanced at each other, knowing she had a valid point. How could they get past that hoard of robotic protectors that could turn them into compelling servants with a single blast.
Vakama was silent for a moment, before glancing at the Kikanalo. He remembered something that the rahi were unique for. "I have a plan…"
His plan was simple; divide up the squad into easier to deal with numbers. And riding the Kikanalo, Nokama and Matau were each to lure away a large group and dispose of them in some way. That left Vakama and Emma, who were going to try and sneak into the tunnel.
Something that proved easier said than done. The second Vakama rounded a corner, a squad of Vahki blasted at him. The Toa of Fire yelped, barely getting behind cover in time, while simultaneously shoving Emma back. More blasts pummeled the rocky wall, and the Toa swiftly pulled out his Disk Launcher, loading up several disks for rapid fire. He waited three seconds before rounding the corner, firing Kanoka after Kanoka at the Zadakh. He managed to down three, before a stun blast nicked his arm.
Emma felt her world slow as the Toa of Fire howled, falling to the ground as his body began to lock up. All it would take would be a full blast to be fully affected…
The second his body hit the ground, his launcher falling from his grasp and clattering to the ground, the Vahki moved in…
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Emma had done a lot of crazy things recently… but this probably topped them. Especially after Vakama scolded her for doing something similar recently. But her heart, her body, acted before she even thought.
The girl rushed across those few meters of barren desert ground, but it felt like a mile as the Zadakh shot at her. She yelped as dust exploded into her face as she ran, a blast having barely missed her feet. But she kept running, merely squinting against the fine grained particles that attacked at her eyes, before diving. Her hand reached out, trying to grab the disk launcher…
For a moment, her mind flashed, thinking of grabbing the tool, rolling into a crouch and blasting them…
A cry escaped her as a blast impacted her leg, energy shooting up and wrapping around her in an instant. The split-second it reached her brain Emma felt any thoughts she had shut down, leaving her mind blank and open.
But even if she couldn't react… she could still see and hear. An anguished scream from Vakama, the sight of the robotic enforcers moving in as she fell limp to the ground…
And despite the fact that Emma had been hit by a blast that made her mind blank for suggestions… terror surged through her as a Vahki stood over her.
The situation for Vakama and Emma was bleak. Both were down, the girl having taken a full blast from a Vahki Zadakh Staff of Suggestion, leaving her open to being victim to being forced to obey any orders from anyone. The Toa was barely recovering from being nicked, the blasts designed to stun for the first few moments. That, and the force had knocked him to the ground hard enough to further stun him. Now, the robotic enforcers stood over the two, a pair already moving to restrain Vakama while another went to order Emma to stand.
That's when a shadow fell over them, and faster than the Vahki could act, the chief Kikanalo's mate landed before them, and with a swift swipe of her tail she had knocked the two away from Vakama. The rest of the squad froze, their CPUs threatening to short circuit from the impossibility of a rahi like the Kikanalo coming to the rescue of the fugitives. Then, the female swatted the one over Emma away, before roaring.
That's when several more jumped down, and the female let out a loud, low cry. The others picked up, and it grew into a loud, almost deafening sound that reached out, pushing through the air.
This was the Kikanolo's signature sonic roar, something that was normally used to blow predators away. And now, it was Vakama and Emma's salvation.
The wave slammed into the Vahki, who for a brief moment, struggled to hold their ground. But it was futile, and in less than a click they were sent flying across the valley from the force, crashing some distance away and landing in a scrap heap.
The elder female Kikanalo snorted as they stopped roaring, pawing the ground a little before turning to sniff the two they had saved. Vakama groaned, his head pounding from the sonic roar, and it took a click for his brain to function properly again.
Then, he sat up so fast his head spun. "Emma!"
A Kikanalo nosed him gently, and Vakama felt the rahi let him use it to steady himself. The Toa turned his head, and his heart clenched seeing the elder female gently nosing the still form of the human girl laying on the ground. Oh no… no!
He struggled to get to his feet, and felt the Kikanalo by him support him as he shakily walked over. The elder female looked at him, rumbling softly as the Fire Toa slid to his knees next to the prone form. "Emma? Emma please…" his voice trembled. He was supposed to protect her… "get up… please get u-" Vakama's eyes widened as Emma started to sit up despite her trembling arms, before he felt the colour drain from his mask as her eyes locked with his. They were a pale blue, and looked so blank…
He barely held back a sharp curse. She had been hit by a Staff of Suggestion! She would blindly follow any order, trapped in her own body, until the staff's effects wore off! "Emma! I'm sorry! You should rest-!" He cut himself off, cursing internally as she instantly relaxed, almost falling to the ground if he hadn't quickly caught her. Tears pricked his eyes… he'd never meant for this…
The Toa of Fire cradled the small human girl close, wishing he could see what she was truly feeling, even thinking, behind her blank eyes…
He blinked, seeing a small tear escape her left eye, and it was then he noticed a nasty dark mark forming on the side of her face. Vakama felt his stomach drop, his mind replaying the harsh sound of Nidhiki's pincer impacting Emma's face as he had backhanded her…
The Fire Toa gingerly cupped her face, trying to not irritate the forming bruise, before he could no longer hold back his tears as he held the youngling human close. "I'm so sorry Emma… so sorry…" he was supposed to protect her… and then she had tried to protect him…
Yes, he was mad at her. She had literally just done the exact same thing she had done when Nokama stood against the stampeding herd! But… he'd seen something in her eyes as she had run towards him, towards his tool to grab and attack the Vahki. It had been the same look he had seen in Lhikan's eyes time and time again as he defended them against innumerable odds. Could he… truly fault her for that? Fault her for trying to protect him, like how he tried to protect her?
He held her close, shakily getting to his feet. Two Kikanalo came up on either side of him, stabilizing him and holding him up as he carried the girl over to the entrance of the tunnel. He limped slightly, though Vakama felt his strength slowly return as the effects of being skimmed by a blast wore off. And hopefully, they would wear off of Emma soon as well...
Vakama looked up hearing a sound, only to sigh as all he saw was one of the Kikanalo scraping a paw against the ground. Nokama and Matau weren't back yet, and he was getting worried. Had the Vahki captured them? Was he going to have to go on, all on his own?
No, I'm not alone. Vakama looked at Emma, who was laying down, sheltered in some shade nearby. As much as he hated her being under the influence of the Zadakh, he had at least been able to get her to drink some water from his canteen, eat a few berries, before telling her to rest. It was hard, watching her do it all with those blank eyes. What could she have been thinking? Was she furious at him for ordering her around, even just to get her to eat and rest, or scared over the fact she couldn't control her own body? Could she even see or hear what was happening around her? He had tried to order her to follow her own will, but nothing had happened. A safeguard, it unfortunately appeared.
The Toa of Fire sighed again, downcast, before looking back up hearing another sound. This time, he saw Emma… shift.
The Toa sat up fast, before scrambling over. "Emma!" Could this be?! Were the staff's effects wearing off?!
The girl groaned softly, and turned her head to look at him. Her eyes, though dull, had a shine to them… she was free!
Vakama ignored the squeak of surprise as he hugged her tightly, before feeling her hug back with shaky hands. "You're okay now… you're okay…" the red armoured Toa murmured softly, though whether he was saying it to her or to himself wasn't clear.
Emma felt her eyes well with tears, and she tightly hugged him back. "I-I'm sorry!" She sobbed out, her voice shaking. "S-So sorry!" She shouldn't have run out! She should have stayed hidden! She should have-!
Vakama tightened his grip, tears sliding down his mask. "Don't! Don't you dare be sorry! This was my fault!" His voice almost choked on his emotions, and he just cradled her head under his. "I just want to keep you safe… I just… I just can't…" his body trembled. His new Toa Instincts and programming saw the girl as an innocent, who needed to be protected at all costs. He saw a scared, vulnerable child who put on a brave face to keep others from worrying about her.
But above all… he saw a young girl with a heart so pure she was willing to throw herself into danger to save a life… even if it was futile or even pointless. A drive to protect… just like a Toa's. And he wanted to preserve her innocence for however long he could…
Before something inevitably tried to take it away.
Emma pressed her face into Vakama's chest, just feeling how… how warm he was. How safe she felt when he was holding her…
This… it's like Tay's holding me again… a few tears slid down at that thought, and she snuggled closer. But… stronger. Is this… what it's like to be held by a big brother? She blinked, startled at that last thought. Had she really gotten so attached to the Toa so fast?
Though, his hug was nice and warm… and felt so safe… she nuzzled his chest armour, snuggling as close as she could. Toa armour was surprisingly comfortable to snuggle into...
The elder Kikanalo female watched with approving eyes as the girl snuggled into the Fire Toa, the larger holding her close. It didn't do to have any herd-members hurting, especially between the foals and their guardians.
Emma was feeling much better by the time Nokama had made it back on her mount, the elder Kikanalo, and the girl ran over excitedly seeing them. "Nokama!"
The Toa of Water turned after dismounting, and chuckled as the girl hugged her tightly. "Emma! What's this?" Not that she minded the hug that much, but she was surprised nonetheless.
The thirteen year old just smiled and hugged tighter, and Nokama looked up as Vakama came up. The Fire Toa was just smiling, and he gently squeezed Nokama's shoulder. "We are both just happy you are back."
The Water Toa couldn't help but smile, before looking down at Emma… and gasped. A large bruise was forming on the left side of her maskless face! "Oh Emma…!" She carefully cupped the girl's cheek. "This is from when that Hunter… oh Emma, I'm sorry I didn't notice sooner…" she immediately started to use some healing energies, and the bruise started to fade under the soft blue glow of Water Energy. Water, being a natural element of healing, and the strongest of healing elements, easily healed the bruise with only a little of it.
The thirteen year old smiled as she leaned into Nokama's hand, relaxing. That felt nice…
The two Toa chuckled as Emma blinked, before she realized that Nokama was already done. She blushed a little, only to grin as the Water Toa hugged her gently. The girl hugged back, before squeaking as she felt a snout nuzzle her. The elder Kikanalo rumbled softly, and Emma smiled, gently stroking his long, aged snout. "Thank you." She said softly, and he rumbled softly.
They then looked up hearing familiar whooping, and Matau rode up on his bounding Kikanalo mount, obviously having had fun taking care of his batch of Vahki Zadakh. The Kikanalo slid to a stop, and the Toa of Air hopped off with a laugh. "Hey Kikanalo! Who's your mas-?" The rahi growled at him, and Matau realized what he started to say, so he quickly changed his words. "I-I mean, who's your partner?" Liking that term much better, the Kikanalo gave the Air Toa an approving lick, much to Matau's disgust and the others' amusement.
The chief Kikanalo roared softly then, gaining all of their attention. Nokama listened, before chuckling lightly. "The chief said 'Not bad - for 'flat-walkers'." She smirked at Matau, who rolled his eyes. "They will cover our 'herd-tracks'." The Water Toa finished translating, before expressing her thanks to the Kikanalo chief in their language.
Vakama then turned to the rahi as his brother and sister walked to the entrance of the tunnel. "Toa Lhikan will be forever in your debt." He said softly, even if they may never know what he meant by that.
Emma gave the rahi elder and his mate soft strokes on their snouts, saying her own thanks, before they nudged her to the Toa. The three were waiting for her inside the tunnel, and the thirteen year old smiled at them as she ran up to join them.
Once they were inside, the Kikanalo used their sonic roars to create an avalanche of boulders and rocks. This slide sealed the cavern shut, preventing anyone from following the four fugitives.
Matau grimaced as he heard the rocks slamming down, and turned to his Toa sister. "If they seal us in, how will we get out?" Matau asked in worry.
"Don't worry," Nokama reassured, smiling confidently, "we'll find a way."
The group was silent as they walked, though Emma couldn't help but think of how Vakama had acted after she had been hit by the staff. He'd been so scared for her… and she'd been so terrified… being unable to move of her own will…
She shivered, wrapping her arms tighter around herself. Trapped in her own body… forced to obey any order… no wonder Matoran feared the Vahki so much! This society was so… different. Alien. It reminded her of… of...
"A dictatorship…" the Toa looked back at Emma, barely having caught her whisper. "What?" Matau asked, making the girl jump with a small yelp. She hadn't realized she'd said that out loud!
The thirteen year old swallowed, her voice trembling a little. "N-Nothing… sorry just thinking to myself."
The three Toa looked at each other, before deciding not to push it and continuing on. They did keep glancing back at her, and the girl managed a smile at them.
No, that's too harsh. Not a dictatorship. They can choose their own paths in life, and their work is important… Why did I even think that? The girl gave her head a shake, wondering if she had gotten another concussion or she'd just over-thought… again. After all, this was an alien society. And her home did have a lot of its own propaganda…
Emma gave her head another shake, pushing those crazy thoughts away before running up to join the three Toa. "So, where to now?" She asked, curious.
Vakama glanced at the others, before saying, "Wherever this tunnel leads us. And hopefully where that is, is where Lhikan is."
"And then?" The girl looked up at him, given he was almost three feet taller than her. "Will we rescue the others?"
The Toa of Fire sighed. "I honestly don't know. If we can then yes… if it's impossible…" he couldn't finish his sentence. Couldn't say that it may not be worth the risk… because as much as they needed a team, if rescuing the others put them all at risk…
Emma looked down. "Oh…" Vakama didn't have to say it. She figured that the risk may not be worth it if it got them all caught…
Nokama rested her hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze, before doing the same for Vakama. "We'll find a way… I know we will." She reassured gently, before doing something that made Emma blink. The Toa of Water stopped her Fire Brother, and then stood on the tips of her feet to press her forehead against Vakama's. The Fire Toa relaxed at the motion, and lightly pressed back before they pulled apart.
Emma blinked again, seeing how relaxed they were, before looking at Matau. "What was that?" She asked softly.
The Toa of Air looked at his brother and sister, before smiling softly. "It's… a symbol-sign of affection-care between two beings. Especially between Toa-siblings. A way of show-displaying a bond, I think."
The thirteen year old's eyes widened. "Wow…" that was so cool…
Matau chuckled, and ran a hand across the top of her head, getting a squeak that was rather adorable. "And don't worry-fear Emma-friend, everything will turn out okay-fine." He grinned at her, and Emma felt herself grin back, his optimism contagious. He was right; everything was going to turn out okay.
It was sometime later when the four heard sounds up ahead, making them stiffen and share worried glances. They were entering Onu-Metru now… was this a Vahki patrol up ahead?
Vakama went tense, pulling out his launcher while Nokama grabbed her blades, only for Matau to raise a hand to stop them. "Allow me." He smirked, before his mask began to glow softly.
Then, his body glowed and then seemed to warp…
And then where Toa Matau had been standing, was now a Vahki Rorzakh, the Onu-Metru model of Vahki.
The remaining two Toa jumped back with yelps of alarm, Vakama pushing Emma back as they prepared to defend themselves from this new Vahki that could disguise itself-!
The Vahki started laughing. "What?! Never spot-see a Toa-hero use a Mask of Shapeshifting?!"
The three froze, before Vakama nearly choked. "Wait, Matau?!"
The 'Vahki' nodded, snickering. "Of course Vakama-brother! Aren't you the Mask-Maker?"
Vakama glared at the jab his brother had made, before smirking. "Well, in that case, you actually have a Mahiki, the Mask of Illusion, made from a reconstitute at random and a weakness disk-"
The shapeshifted Toa threw his 'hands' up. "Alright! I get it!" He didn't need a lecture!
Emma and Nokama both snickered, before they all fell silent hearing the sounds get closer. Matau looked at them, and Vakama nodded, so the 'Vahki' headed off while the rest of them hid. The two Toa and the human girl waited silently, their breath bated as they wondered if their brother would run into actual Vahki...
They heard a shout down the tunnel Matau had gone, followed by the sounds of a scuffle, then another shout, along with a bright light. "Hey! Turn out the bright-light!"
The three shared a look. Well, if he talked, it wasn't Vahki… but then who could it be…?
Then, they heard a voice that they all knew well. "Matau?"
"That's Toa Matau to you, Whenua." The Air Toa chuckled, his face growing before he reverted to his normal form. As he did, his Toa brother and sister came out of hiding with Emma.
Whenua was still in shock, even as Nuju and Onewa ran up. "S-Shapeshifting?" The Earth Toa choked out. Shapeshifting was a powerful ability… especially as a Mask power.
Matau chuckled, grinning as he helped his Toa brother up. "Yeah. And you should hear Nokama translating Kikanalo." He gestured over his shoulder to the Water Toa, who was smiling relieved to see her brothers alright.
Reunited, the Toa exchanged greetings and brief accounts of their adventures that brought them to the tunnels. Apparently, the captured Toa had only managed to escape their cell after figuring out their mask powers, as it was designed to keep them from using their elemental powers. That, and they were only just starting to 'recharge' said elemental powers. Some Toa were able to recharge faster than others, apparently.
"So we've all discovered our mask powers." Whenua said, excited. With Nuju's Mask of Telekinesis, Onewa's Mask of Mind Control, and his Mask of Night Vision, along with Nokama's translating and Matau's illusions, surely they could save Lhikan, and then all of Metru Nui!
Only Vakama stood off to the side, reluctant to join in the celebration. He hung his head at Whenua's statement. "Everyone but me…" the Toa of Fire mumbled to himself, feeling left out… and like a failure.
Emma looked at the Fire Toa worried, seeing his confidence dwindle, and rested a hand on his arm in comfort. But he only sighed, pulling away.
Not noticing his Fire Brother's hurt, Nuju turned to Nokama. "How did you know we would be here?"
"We didn't." The Water Toa said, shaking her head. "We came for Toa Lhikan."
Onewa shook his head, shrugging. "He's not here." He then turned with the others, hearing the sound of an elder chuckling.
Everyone looked over, and the fugitive group finally noticed the helmet wearing Turaga standing behind the once captive group. Nokama and Matau were surprised, while Vakama's eyes widened. Wait, his armour… it…
The Turaga smiled sadly at them, reaching up to take his helmet off. "Well, not exactly." Without the helmet, everyone could see the golden mask beneath — a noble Hau.
Vakama's eyes widened as he took in a sharp breath, realizing who this was. "T-Toa… Lhikan?!"
The red and gold armoured Turaga sighed softly. "No no Vakama. You are Toa. I am Turaga Lhikan now." He said, before looking at the other Toa. His warm molten gold eyes landed on Emma, and he blinked at her surprised. A… full organic?
Whenua couldn't believe his eyes, now feeling guilty for how he had acted before in the cells. "Why…" he took a second to compose himself, "Why didn't you tell us who you were…?" He asked, kneeling to be more at Lhikan's level.
The former Toa of Fire, the last of the Toa Mangai, looked at him, and only smiled sadly. "Your task was to discover who you are. Only with such knowledge would your powers reveal themselves." He patted the black armoured Toa's shoulder gently, before looking over as Matau let out an exclamation, cutting everyone else off.
"Quick-stop! Where did your power go?!" The Air Toa almost demanded, perplexed.
Lhikan chuckled and shook his head. It seems that they don't teach Matoran anything like they used to.
"Long ago, it was said that there were no Turaga, until the First Toa Team gave up their powers, each to create a new team of Toa to defend our young universe. With their sacrifice, they became the first Turaga, and guided the Matoran to a united way of life." The Turaga said, and the Toa and human girl blinked at the tale. Realizing that they didn't understand, the now-elder shook his head again. "My power lives on, in all of you."
Eyes lit up in understanding. Lhikan had given up his Toa power to turn them into new Toa… though why did he have to say it so cryptically?
Vakama only turned away however, but Lhikan spoke directly to the Toa of Fire, causing him to face the red-and-gold Turaga. "Vakama… tell me, the heart of Metru Nui; do you have it safe?"
Vakama took a deep breath, having a bad feeling. "Well… we're… rescuing you now." Surely, he was the 'heart'? And what about-?
Before the Fire Toa could ask about the 'light' the message had spoken of, the Turaga bowed his head, sighing in somewhat disappointment. "Oh, you are so misguided…" he said softly, before looking up at the Toa. "I was never Metru Nui's heart… the Matoran are." The Turaga looked at each of them. "It has always been the Matoran, as they… as we once were, the ones who drive this city forwards." He sighed again, but none of his words had anger to them. "It seems that that knowledge is no longer taught… or have you forgotten, that the Matoran came before Toa, and that they, just like we once were, are integral to our very universe? Mata Nui gave us life… so we could be his heart. And the Toa were created… to protect that heart." Lhikan spread his arms out. "And the Turaga are to guide the heart, and its protectors. That… is how it has always been."
Each Toa bowed their heads at his words, while Emma felt her heart clench. Suddenly… there was so much more to this world than what those movies showed. This was a reality check that the Toa had needed. So focused they were, on saving a hero who was no longer able to fight… did they leave the very beings that they were sworn to protect.
Suddenly, Vakama slammed his fist against a nearby wall, his masked face twisted in emotion. "Then I failed you! All of you!" He turned away, not even noticing how the punch had left a dent, nor how his fists smoked slightly as he tightly clenched them. "I told you! I'm a cross-wired freak!" His armour pulled close, tears threatening to spill down his mask. "Chasing my dreams and wasting everyone's time!" He almost snarled. "I'll never be a real Toa!"
At that moment, Emma couldn't take it anymore. Screw the movie plot! Her friend was hurting!
"You're wrong!" She snapped, and Vakama turned to look at her with surprise. "You are a Toa! We all just made a mistake!"
"A mistake that will cost us Metru Nui!" The Fire Toa snapped back, only to reel back as the girl smacked him across the face.
"Would you just stop thinking so low of yourself?!" Emma screamed at him. "I didn't end up following you all this way, only to watch as you have a pity party!" She took a deep breath, clenching her own fists. "Mistakes happen, Vakama! It's a fact of life! No being is- is perfect! Not you, not me, hell, not even Mata Nui himself!" She glared at him, arctic blue eyes glaring into his warm red-orange. "Let me tell you this: you followed what you knew, and what you thought was best! And it was the same thing everyone else thought! Or did you forget, about how we all agreed that finding Lhikan was the best choice?!"
No one spoke after her outburst, and Emma felt tears prick her own eyes. "Don't you get it Vakama? You, and the others, were chosen by the Turaga standing right here, to do what he couldn't! And now, you have him here, to guide you! And there's still time! Whatever Dume's got planned for the Matoran, he's only a Turaga! Now, you're all together, a team of six new Toa, with a Turaga to guide you!" She raised a hand, cutting Vakama off before he could even retort. "And I'm only going to say this once. I may be a kid… but I know enough. I've been through enough, to know that mistakes, happen. And that there's nothing, nothing, you can do about them, except learn from them, and move on!"
The Toa stared at her, wide-eyed, and only then did Emma realize her face was covered in tears. She quickly wiped her face, before glaring at the Fire Toa. "And you know what you have? An opportunity to fix things… something that I wish I had… when I lost the one person who gave up everything for me." She sniffed, before spinning on her heel and stalking back down the tunnel. Suddenly… she didn't want them to see how weak she felt. How guilty she felt… for letting her big sister die.
The girl barely even noticed she had stopped next to a familiar shape: a silver, spherical pod. She stared at it, knowing what, or rather, who, was inside… but she couldn't help but feel a tad jealous. At least he's not out here, having just blown up at people I started to consider friends… only to almost reveal something that they have no business with… and probably just wrecked the entire future…
"Emma?"
The thirteen year old looked over her shoulder, and sniffed a little as she tried to glare at the Toa of Fire. "W-What?"
Vakama just pulled her into his arms, holding her close as the girl felt tears begin to stream. Then, the dam broke and she started to sob, clinging tighter and pressing her face into his chest. The Fire Toa tightened his grip just enough, giving her comfort as she sobbed it out.
"I-I'm sorry…" Emma sniffled when she got most of the tears out, only to feel Vakama hug her tighter. "No… don't be sorry. You're right." The Toa gently pulled them from the hug, and knelt before her. "I… we made a mistake, and now we need to fix it. And having a 'pity party', as you put it," he smiled as she giggled a little, "won't help." He then stood, only to feel Emma tug his hand.
As the Fire Toa looked at her, the girl decided to do one thing she knew from the plot. "Can you make me a promise then?" She asked softly.
Vakama blinked, before nodding.
Emma smiled. "Then promise me you won't ever stop believing in yourself."
The Fire Toa looked at her… before smiling and playfully swipeding a hand across the top of her head, getting a squeak followed by a small laugh. "I promise." He chuckled, smiling as she hugged him.
Vakama felt his heart lighten as he then pushed her to go to the other Toa, his smile growing as she hugged Nokama, before his eyes saw the silver sphere. A brow rose, his curiosity piked. "What's one of these doing down here…?" He wondered, before reaching out and touching the glass window to open it.
It was then that the Toa of Fire felt the proverbial rug get yanked out from under him. His heart stopped, his mind stalled and his masked face lost all colour as his world was turned upside down.
He didn't register his own yelp, nor the sound of his friends asking what was wrong. He didn't even register when his legs gave out as he fell onto his bottom from the shock. All he could do was stare at what was inside the pod, shaken to his very core.
"T-Turaga Dume?!"
A/N — And honestly, I cannot think of a better place to end this on a cliffhanger!
So, the Toa finally see the truth behind Dume, things went crazy… and now things are reaching their climax!
Now, I want to point out that things are going to be different this time around. Not that much of course, but obviously more realistic. Only because we all know that being in the Matoran Universe isn't all sunshines and rainbows.
On that note, I'd like some feedback. What you guys liked, disliked, are confused about, etc. I need to know so I can improve and help the story evolve.
Now, is there anything else…?
Oh, wait!
I think everyone knows that fellow fan and author MakutaMutran has posted the entire Bionicle storyline so far. Well, if you don't know, he's planning to FINISH the story, and wants all of our input! So, PM him or leave a review, as he wants to end this the way it was intended, before LEGO decided to jump ship. (No, he didn't ask me to promote him!)
And of course, happy 2021 everyone! Let us all pray that by the end of this new year, we can have some semi-normalcy. Because cabin-fever in the wet, cold winter sucks.
Next Chapter — The Legend of Eternal Shadow
(It's appropriate, if I do say so myself)