(Ko-Wahi)
A half an hour has passed since their encounter with Lady Chaos and her forces, and Tim, Jaller, Takua and Pewku had continue their search through the Ko-Wahi region. The mask of light led them to a path on the slope of a snowy mountain side, and toward a cave-like tunnel. There was a large boulder next to the entrance with an inscription on it that was written in the Matoran-language.
"Onu-Koro highway." Tim read out loud.
This caught the two Matoran off guard, "You can read our language too?" Jaller asked with a surprised tone in his voice.
"Yeah, I was just as surprised as you when I discovered it." Said Tim as he looked at them with a shrug.
Takua then looked toward the tunnel with an unsure expression on his mask, "Well, it look's like this highway hasn't been used in a while," he says, gesturing to the tunnel, "and we don't have any lightstones."
"I don't think that's necessary." Said Tim as he stepped forward. The crystal in his chest began to glow as he closed his eyes and concentrated, he then opened them and his eyes glow brightly, for he had tapped into the power of night vision. Every part of the cave Tim looked at was lit up as if he shined at it with a flashlight.
"Ha, you see?" said Jaller, looking at Takua, "Who needs lightstones."
Tim, Jaller and Pewku then walked inside the tunnel, Takua looked on for a second before slamming his feet on the rocky floor and followed. "Tunnels." He grumbled.
(Onu-Wahi tunnel network)
Like all other tunnel networks in the underground Onu-Wahi region, the Onu-Koro highway was a maze of tunnels, mines, and caverns with multiple pathways, making it difficult for anyone but the once who came here the most to find their way. Though the mask of light helped lighting up the cave, it was not as bright as the glow Tim's eyes gave off, and every time they found a spilt in the path Tim had to look in a different direction so Jaller can determine which path they had to go by using the mask.
They eventually found another fork in the path and Tim looked behind them, because he had this feeling that they were followed by something, or someone. Jaller pointed the mask of light to the tunnels, like the other split paths before, the mask glow brighter to the tunnel that they had to follow, which in this case was the path on the right.
"This way." said Jaller, pointing in that direction.
As Tim, Jaller and pewku took the path on the right, Takua walked to the left path in curiosity from something that caught his eye. He sees a bunch of glowing plants that looked like algae. He read some inscription that was above it and pondered to himself. "Hmm…hey." He says.
Takua then grabbed two plants and hold them above his head, making them look like antlers, causing him to laugh. "Hahaha hey guys!" he called out to show his friends, only to notice that they were not there. "Guys?"
Suddenly, a dark, demonic voice called out to Takua from de tunnels, being carried by a dark wind that sounded like howling spirits. "Takua…" it called in a whispering way.
Takua quickly rushed to towards the right path, in the hopes of getting away of the voice and finding his friends. "Uh, guys, where'd you go?" he called, the tone in his voice told that he was getting nervous.
"Takua…" the voice called out again, startling the Matoran.
Takua soon began to panic and rushed through the tunnels without even looking where he was going, "Tim?!" he called out, he was so terrified that he didn't noticed that the cave became darker, "Jaller!?" he soon slammed into a rock wall and fell to the ground.
The sound of footsteps suddenly echoed in one of the tunnels, and Takua noticed a silhouette of a figure walking towards him. Even though the cave was quite dark, Takua could see that the figure is a Human/Toa hybrid.
"Tim?" Takua asked with a shaky tone in his voice, "Is that you?"
But Takua's hopes vanished as the figure came closer and more detail was revealed. The figure has a feminine build, stood as tall as the Rahkshi, her metal parts were white instead of black, and she wore a Votrixx armor. But it was only after she opened her eyes and revealed them to be black with icy blue irises that he realized who it was.
"Lady Chaos!" Takua thought as he rose too his feet and took fearful steps back, a horrified expression on his mask, "oké, don't panic, when Tim shows up, he will-."
Suddenly, a large, second pair of eyes, that glow an evil fiery red, appeared from the tunnel behind Lady Chaos. Takua shielded his eyes from the bright light the big eyes gave off and backed even further away, because he has seen these eyes before. These eyes were from Makuta.
"Shadows are everywhere," said the voice from earlier, now coming from Makuta's eyes, "and where they are, so am I."
"I know who you are, Makuta." Said Takua as he hides behind a stone pillar of the cave, "Bu-But I'm not afraid of you."
Lady Chaos chuckled as she closed in from the other side of the pillar, Makuta's eyes following her closed behind, "I have to say, you're very amusing." She complimented, "But even my own shadows cannot hide your fear."
"Your fear for the truth…" said Makuta as his eyes disappeared.
"What truth?" Takua asked, while pressing harder against the wall as Lady Chaos came into few, her back pointed in his direction.
"That you will not find the seventh Toa." Makuta answered, "And deep down, you know it."
"So I won't," said Takua, accidentally revealing where he was, cause Lady Chaos turned in his directing and Makuta's eye's reappeared in front of him, "maybe Jaller will, or maybe Tim."
"That is not the Keyblade wielder's task, remember." Said Lady Chaos as she approached the frightened Matoran, "His task was to protect you."
"And if your friend doesn't find him? Then he will die because of you!" said Makuta, glaring his fiery red eyes.
Lady Chaos then leaned down on one knee, placed a finger on Takua's chin and moved him so he looked into her eyes, "But there is a way to prevent it." she says in a calm, friendly tone, "Bring us the mask and the Keyblade wielder, Takua. Bring them to us, and you won't lose your friend."
Takua's eyes lit up in shock from what he just heard, "No!" he said defiantly, as he pushed Lady Chaos's hand away, "I won't let everyone down!"
"Oh, but you will fail them all if you refuse." Said Makuta, the tone of a warning in his voice, "But, in exchange for the mask and the Keyblade wielder, your villages and Jaller, will be spared."
Lady Chaos then rose to her full height and walked back in the direction of the tunnel where they came from, Makuta's eyes moving in that direction as well. Just as she was about to enter the darkness of the cave, Lady Chaos stopped and turned back to Takua. "Think about our offer, but don't be a fool." She warned, then, both she and Makuta's eyes vanish in the darkness, leaving Takua alone in the dark.
"No!" Takua murmured to himself, conflicted about this, "I can't!"
"Takua!" a voice scouted from behind Takua, causing him to yelp as he turned around with a thrietend look on his mask. he was relieved to see it were Tim, Jaller and Pewku. Jaller still had the mask of light in his hands, which lit up the tunnel. "The mask is pointing this way." Said Jaller, pointing to the tunnel behind them.
The group then continued down the tunnel. As they did, Tim noticed in the corner of his eye that Takua had a concerned expression on his mask. "Are you alright?" he asked as he switch off his night vision so he doesn't blind the Matoran, "You look like you have seen a ghost."
"I'm more curious about where'd he wandered off to this time." Said Jaller.
"Uh, Guys... um... about the mask." Takua began with uncertainty in his voice.
"What about it?" Tim asked.
"Wait…" said Jaller with a thoughtful tone in his voice, that quickly turned into one of joy and relieve, "Are you saying, that you're ready to take it? Finally!" he approached Takua to give him the mask, but the chronicler took nerves steps back.
"I can't- I can't go with you guys." Takua blurted out, before letting out a sigh.
This couth both Tim and Jaller by surprise. "What?! why?" Jaller asked.
"I c-I can't explain." Said Takua, conflicted.
"Takua, you're not making any sense, what's going on?" Tim asked, he was completely confused by now.
"Oh, I know what's going on." Said Jaller with an annoyed tone in his voice, "First he stick us with his duty and then he ditches us!?"
"My duty is to myself." Said Takua as he turned around and left then group, "I quit! Just take the mask and go!" Pewku then quickly follows him.
"Fine, but I won't give up." Said Jaller as he and Tim watched them leave, "I'll find the seventh Toa whether you're the true herald or not!"
Tim watched as Jaller began heading toward the tunnel where the mask want's him to go, he then looked at Takua, who had climbed onto Pewku's back and were heading toward another. He knew that something must have happened when he was separated from them.
"You're coming, Tim?" Jaller asked when he noticed Tim as still standing on the same spot.
Tim looked at Jaller, "Didn't you notice that Takua was acting a little strange?" he asked, Jaller raised a brow plate on his mask before giving a small nod, "I get the feeling that he got scared by something, or maybe someone has threatened him."
"You think, that is the reason why he quit the mission?" Jaller asked.
Tim nodded. "Yeah." He says, he then looked in the direction of the tunnel Takua went in, "I think I shall follow him, and do my best to change his mind."
Jaller gave him a understanding nod. "Yeah, I think your right." He says. "If I know him, he will be hard to convince though, but I think you can think of something."
Tim gave the Matoran a appreciated nod, he then asked, "You think you can find the way on your own?"
"Don't worry, the mask will show me the way." Said Jaller, holding the mask of light up, "And I will try to keep myself out of trouble."
Tim gave an understanding nod and watched as Jaller continued the search, then he rushed after Takua, using his night vision eyes to located them. It didn't take him long before he had catch up to them. "Hey! Wait up!" Tim called, getting both Matoran's and Ussal crab's attention.
Takua was surprised to see Tim, "Why are you following us?" he asked, "I thought I said 'I quit'?"
"I know," said Tim as he approaches them, "and I'll stick with you, in case you need to be saved again." He then looked at him with a serious look, "Besides, you know you can't fool me that easily, I know that something is badgering you."
Takua sighed, knowing Tim was right. "Alright," he says in defeat, "I'll explain underway." They then moved on through the tunnels.
"Speaking of 'underway'," said Tim, realizing something, "do you know where you're going?"
"Tactically, Pewku does." said Takua, gesturing to the Ussal crab, "She used to live in Onu-Koro, so she knows these tunnels as the back of her head."
As they continued toward Onu-Koro, Tim couldn't help but look back over his shoulder. He sensed that someone was watching them, thought he didn't see anyone. His feeling wasn't wrong though, cause from behind the corner from one of the tunnels, was Lady Chaos, she and the eyes of Makuta had seen and heard everything.
(Makuta's Lair)
"Oh, our goodwill refused." Said Makuta with a disappointed sigh, his eyes glowing brightly as he used his shadow powers, "And my noble sons, bound in ice."
"It seems our negotiations didn't work." said Lady Chaos her voice, which echoed through her future master's lair as she contacted him mantel, "What must we do now?"
"Since it seems our hand is cast, we now must pierce that which the Toa hold dear." Said Makuta as his eyes turned into a glare. Then, the silhouette of a Rahkshi climbed up one of the glowing pillars of the lair before jumping on the floor, "Anger amongst them will threaten their precious Unity." Climbing down another pillar was the silhouette of another Rahkshi that jumped off it and in front of the first Rahkshi, "Hunger will consume their Duty." The two Rahkshi's hissed and screeched at each other before they backed away from a third Rahkshi that approached them, "And fear will keep them from their Destiny." Makuta then looked at the large mask shaped gate, "They will not disturb my brother's slumber."
(Onu-Wahi tunnel network)
"I'm sending three of my sons toward a secret tunnel that leads to Onu-Koro," said Makuta as Lady Chaos looked at his glowing eyes, "you and your Heartless will meet them there and attack the village. Find what we're looking for."
"As you wish." Said Lady Chaos with a bow. As Makuta's eyes disappeared, Lady Chaos looked at the tunnel Tim, Takua and Pewku went to, "Onu-Koro," she murmured, "I haven't been there for quite some time," a wikied smile grew on her lips, "it's indeed time for a nice little visit." Lady chaos then opened a dark portal and vanished.
(Onu-Koro)
In the epicenter of the tunnel systems from the Onu-Wahi region was the village of Onu-Koro. The village was built in a large cavern, hanging from the ceiling were stalactites from different sizes while stalagmites grew from the cave floor. The buildings were built and dugged out in the rocky services of the cave. The only sources of light they had were yellowish gems name lightstones and the large holes they made in the ceiling that provided sun light and fresh air.
At this point, Toa Pohatu had arrived in the village and was greeting his fellow Toa: Onua. Like all Toa, Onua has a silver chest plate and pauldrons, his armor was black, and he wears a black mask known as a Kanohi Pakari Nuva. Onua is the Toa of earth and is also the strongest build of them. The two Toa bumped their fists as they greeted each other. "Onua my friend," said Pohatu with a smile on his mask, "it seems bashing granite is treating you well."
Onua chuckled upon hearing the compliment and wraps his arm around his Toa friend's shoulders, "Pohatu, look around you. Mining has never been better." He says with a laugh, as they walked toward the central plaza of the village, "Oh, you should join me at it sometime, Try doing a real job. Say how goes the carving?"
"Their work in magnificent," said Pohatu before removing Onua's hand from his shoulders, "but, nowhere near as good as the other tidings I bring."
The two Toa then approached a platform that was in the center of the village, surrounded by six large stalagmites. As they walked on it, all the Onu-Matoran, who's armor was also coloured black, walked up to them. They talked among themselves before they let Pohatu speak.
"Matoran of Onu-Koro!" Pohatu began, "I have brought two messages from the other villages. The first message is that the Island of Mata Nui has received a visitor, a visitor from beyond the star!" there were gasps and murmurs of surprise and excitement among the Matoran, "So, if you see a being that is as tall as a Toa's chest height and looks more organic, then you know it's him. Furthermore, I'm happy to announce that the Mask of light from the prophecy, has been found!" this news caused the Matoran to shear, "Jaller, the captain of the guard of Ta-Koro, and Takua the chronicler, even now, as we speak, are seeking the seventh Toa!"
Just as those words came out, Tim, Takua and Pewku exited the tunnels and made their way to the village center. The Onu-Matoran were surprised to see them, particular about Tim, for they didn't knew that he would visit them so soon. This small commotion even caught the Toa's attention, and Pohatu looked quite pleased.
"Well, and speaking of which," Said Pohatu with a pleasant tone in his voice as the trio approached the Plato, "the 'visitor from beyond the stars' decided to visit us! It's great to see you again Tim."
"It's good to see you too, Toa Pohatu." Said Tim as he looked at the Toa of stone.
"Also, allow me to introduce you to my friend and fellow Toa, Toa Onua." Said Pohatu as he gestured to the Toa of earth.
"Welcome to Onu-Koro." said Onua, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." Said Tim with a respectful bow, but his face soon turned to a somber one, "If only the circumstances were better."
It was at this point that Pohatu noticed that someone was missing, he looked at Takua. "Chronicler, where is the herald?" he asked as Takua climbed off Pewku.
"Uh, we got… separated," said Takua, unsure how to answer, "after we met Lady Chaos, the Heartless, and the Rahkshi."
Everyone looked confused and murmured to each other, even the two Toa gave each other a confused look, "The what?" Onua asked, Pohatu only shrugged.
Tim stepped onto the platform and looked toward the large crowd, "Matoran of Onu-Koro!" Tim announced, "I have terrible news, Makuta has unleashed his forces once more, he has sent creatures who he calls his sons, the Rahkshi. He also allied himself with a dark warrior named Lady Chaos, who like me can summon a weapon known as a keyblade, but while I follow the light, she follows the darkness. She has also control over dark creatures known as Heartless. They are now rampaging over the island of Mata Nui, they even have destroyed the village of Ta-Koro and critically damaged the village of Ko-Koro."
There were horrified gasped of shook among the Matoran, even Pohatu and Onua gave each other a shocked look.
"I was there myself and I even fought against them," said Tim as he looked toward the Toa, "they aren't a force to be wrekend with."
Pohatu and Onua gave each other a understanding nod, then looked at Tim, "Very well." Said Onua as he crossed his arms before his chest, "It's good that you warned us, for now we know what to watch out for. And as long as they do not know about where you are, you will be save here."
"The only request that we have is that you tell us what these Heartless and Rahkshi look like." Said Pohatu as he looked at Tim.
Suddenly, the village began to shake violently, chasing the Matoran to panic. One of the cave walls began to crack and exploded, sending large chunks of rock flying through the village. As everyone looked at the smoking opening in the wall, Tim suddenly sensed a familiar presence, an dark one.
"Oh no, their here." Tim thought.
Then, emerging from the smoke, was Lady Chaos, who summoned Makuta's will into her hand as she revealed herself. Behind her were three new Rahkshi, a black one named Vohrahk, a white one named Kuurahk, and a red one named Turahk. Behind them was a small army of Heartless, consisting of shadows, Claw wings, Saw rollers and Sting crawlers.
"Well, there is your answer." Said Tim as he summoned Toa's spirit into his hand, "The one leading them is Lady Chaos, the dark creatures at the back are the Heartless, and the once in the middle, are the Rahkshi.
"Yeah, but…" said Takua as he too began to panic, "they were… different Rahkshi."
"Well, just those are plenty for now." Said Pohatu.
"Welcome to Onu-Koro!" said Onua out lout as he bumped his fists together and slammed them onto the ground, creating a powerful shockwave that send a barrage of rocks toward the dark beings.
Seeing the rocks coming toward them, Lady Chaos held her free hand up just as the rocks crashed down onto of them.
"Matoran of Onu-Koro!" Onua shouted, "Go through the tunnels to the other villages!" as if on cue, all the Matoran rushed toward the other tunnels, fleeing the village.
"Takua!" Tim called, getting the frightened Ta-Matoran's attention, "You go with the other Matoran and get to safety!"
"But, what about you?" Takua asked.
"I'll stay here and bay you and the others some time to escape." Said Tim, "Now, go!"
Takua gave a understanding nod and jumped onto Pewku's back, "Come on Pewku!" he says, "Let's get out of here!" they then flee with the other Matoran.
Tim looked back towards the tunnel were the dark army arrived from and saw more Heartless approaching the entrance, "Oh, I don't think so." He says before throwing Toa's spirit toward the celling from the tunnel. The keyblade flew through the air and stepped the rock with so much force that the celling began to crack and break apart on top of the Heartless, burying them under large boulders and crushing them into black puffs of smoke, while closing the entrance as well.
"Good job." Said Pohatu, a impressed tone in his voice.
"But it's not over yet." Said Tim as he resummoned Toa's spirit and took up a battle stance.
Just as Tim predicted, the large pile of rocks shook and exploded, sending the rocks in all directions. It was revealed the Lady Chaos had summoned a dark energy shield around herself and her forces, though some rocks managed to get through and landed on some Heartless, one even manage to land on Turahk's head, who shook it off.
"Quite a harsh welcome from you Toa." Said Lady Chaos as her shield vanished, she then looked at the black Rahkshi, "Vohrahk, show them our appreciations."
Following her orders, Vohrahk jumped into the air, making the first move of attack. Onua followed and grabbed Vohrahk's staff mid-air before landing on their feet and began to push each other.
"Tim, you said you have faced these things before," said Pohatu as he looked between his struggling Toa brother and the young Keyblade wielder, "so, you know how to beat them, right?"
"Unfortunately, these Rahkshi are new to me." Said Tim looking toward the Toa of stone, "Since my last battle with their kind, I know that every Rahkshi has different powers. But I'm not sure which powers these have."
They watched as Vohrahk managed to push Onua onto his back on the ground. Vohrahk's staff, face and spikes then began to glow and wisp's of Onua's power was being drained by it. "Oh, my… m-my strength… how…?" he says weakly.
Vohrahk screeched into Onua's masked face while Lady Chaos's lips turned into a evil grin, "You feel that, Toa?" she asked, "Do you feel you energy being sucked up, devoured by Vohrahk's hunger?"
"Hunger?" Tim thought, "So, that is the power of that Rahkshi."
"M-my… power…" said Onua weakly, he then collapsed as he lost consciousness.
"Onua!" Pohatu shouted, he then rushed toward the Toa of Earth's help.
Unfortunately, Turahk has noticed and his face and spikes began to glow before he unleashed a red, ring-shaped energy beam toward Pohatu. The beam hit the Toa of stone and he was paralyzed.
"What's wrong, are you scared?" lady Chaos asked, looking amused at the now terrified Toa, "I didn't know Toa were such cowards." She then began to chuckle.
"Oké, the black one is Hunger, and the red one is fear," Tim murmured under his breath, piecing things together, "but what is the power of the white one?" he then noticed Lady Chaos had turned her attention to him, "I'll figure that out later."
"I was wondering where you were since our last encounter." Said Lady Chaos as she approached the young Keyblade wielder, "Though, I didn't think that we will meet again this soon."
"If you're looking for the mask of light, then you're wasting your time," Said Tim, pointing his Keyblade toward her, "it's not here."
"Oh, but it isn't the mask were looking for." Said Lady Chaos as the two of them began to circle each other, "you see, Makuta has his eye also on the herald."
"Then he will be disappointed," said Tim, "Cause as long as I 'am around, neither one of you will not have him."
He then dashed forward, swinging his Keyblade in a right diagonal upper cut, only for her to block it. Lady Chaos then swung her Keyblade with a left horizontal slice, followed by a right, downward diagonal slice, which were also blocked by Tim. Lady Chaos then tried slicing at Tim's legs, only for him too jumped over it and deliver a powerful roundhouse kick into her face, causing Lady Chaos to take a few steps back. She placed her hand on the spot he hit her and noticed a little bit of blood on her fingers, she smirked.
"He has improved." Lady Chaos thought, she then outstretched her free hand and unleashed a burst of dark lightning toward Tim. He quickly outstretched his free hand and created a purple energy shield that looked similar to the one created by Tahu around him, blocking the lightning attack which reflected toward one of the buildings, destroying it in the process. "Impressive," she says out loud, "Very impressive."
Lady Chaos rushed forward in blazing speed. Tim began shooting blasts of fire from his keyblade toward the dark Keyblade wielder by using the fire spell, but she managed to dodge them easily, and when she came close, both Keyblade wielders brought their Keyblade's over their heads and swung them in a downward slice, causing them to end up in a blade lock.
"I can see that you have developed the power of magic, and can use the powers of the Toa," said Lady Chaos as the two of them began to push, "but you can do so much more with proper training, and I'm sure my master is willing to train you, if you will join him."
"After what he did? I think not." Said Tim as he pushed harder, "I got separated from my friends and lost my home world because of him!"
From the corner of his eyes, Tim noticed sudden movement and turned his head. Several Heartless were approaching them, preparing themselves too attack him. Tim quickly broke the blade lock and swung Toa's spirit in a horizontal cut, slicing two Shadows and a Saw Roller in half and turning them into puffs of black smoke. A Claw wing shot a energy orb toward Tim, only for him too reflect it back at it. Tim quickly turned and saw that Lady Chaos had jumped in his direction, attacking him with a downward slice with her dark Keyblade. Tim quickly jumped out of the way, but the dark Keyblade wielder swung Makuta's will at him with a diagonal cut, slicing him on his chest, causing Tim to scream in pain.
While following the other Matoran to the tunnels, Takua couldn't help but look back. he had seen how the Toa were overpowered by the Rahkshi and that Tim had trouble against Lady Chaos and the Heartless who surrounded him. "What have I done?" he murmured. In a blink of a second, Takua mustered his courage and urged Pewku to turn around, grabbing a Kohlii stick that was laying around. "Yahh, Pewku! Yahh!" he urged as they charged toward the nearest Rahkshi, Kuurahk.
Kuurahk noticed the Matoran and Ussal crab rush towards them. Takua took a swing toward it with his Kohlii stick, but the white Rahkshi managed to grab it and snatched it out if his hands before hissing in the Matoran's masked face. Kuurahk then let out a lout screech, which called the other Rahkshi to come.
A Sting crawler Heartless shot several energy needles toward Tim, who douches them and jumped onto the Scorpion-like Heartless its back. The Sting crawler tried to stab Tim with its stinger, only to find its demise when Tim leaned back, grab the stinger and plunged it into the Heartless its back, turning it into a puff of black smoke. Tim then heard Kuurahk's screech and turned to see the three Rahkshi heading in the direction of Takua. "No!" he said. Tim quickly tapped into the power of speed and rushed towards the Rahkshi.
Not wanting her target too get away, Lady Chaos summoned her wings and flew staid after him with blazing speed of her own. When Tim was closing in on the Rahkshi, Lady Chaos snapped her fingers and a few dark portals appeared in front of the young Keyblade wielder, causing him too stop in a skipping halt. From the portals came two Saw rollers, a sting crawler, and above them two Claw wings.
At this point, the world seamed to go in slow motion as Tim turned around and saw lady Chaos rushing towards him, ready too slice at him with her dark Keyblade. But just as she was getting close, the dark Keyblade wielder was suddenly hit by a large blast of water that threw her over Tim's head and slammed her through the wall of a building that was built in a large stalagmite, which collapsed on top of her. Not a second later, a wall of flames suddenly burst out of the ground and disintegrated the five Heartless that were about to attack Tim.
"I'm surprised too see you here." Said a voice, Tim turned around and saw Tahu and Gali approaching him.
"Yeah, long story." Said Tim, his attention then returned toward the Rahkshi, "But I'll explain later, we have to save Takua."
"Got it!" said Tahu, who immediately rushed to the rescue.
Before either Tim or Gali could stop him, a burst of dark lightning hit the Toa of water and threw her away. Tim turned and saw Lady Chaos emerging from the rubble of the stalagmite building, an expression of annoyed rage on her face.
It did not take Tahu long before he came close to Kuurahk, he then jumped over the white Rahkshi and landed in between it and the Matoran. "Rahkshi!" he shouted as he landed, his Fire swords ready for the battle.
Kuurahk's face and spikes began to glow and he fired a whitish-grew energy beam towards Tahu, which hit the Toa of fire before he had a chance to block it, the sound of growls and snarls could be heard as a corrupted aura spread over Tahu's body. He soon dropped his weapons and fall to the ground.
"No, Tahu!" Takua shouted as he rushed toward the downed Toa. He then looked up at the Rahkshi, who were now closing in on him.
A blast of dark Lightning shot toward Tim, who quickly held Toa's spirit horizontally with both hands to block it. Even though he stood his ground, the power of the attack was strong enough that Tim was pushed back. suddenly, a burst of wind and dust blew towards Lady Chaos, blinding the dark Keyblade wielder in the process. Before Tim knew what was happening, he was suddenly grabbed by something and lifted of the ground. Having rubbed the dust out of her eyes, Lady Chaos noticed that Tim was gone, and she let out a enraged scream.
Takua managed to get his Kohlii stick back and climbed onto Pewku's back. "Back!" he said, as he swings the stick at the Rahkshi.
Suddenly, both the Takua and Pewku were grabbed by something as well and lifted in the air. It was only when they were on their savior's back that both Keyblade wielder and Matoran saw it was Lewa. "Wind-fly!" called Lewa as they flew to safety.
Lady Chaos watched on as they flew away with an enraged look in her eyes, again the Toa had intervened and she was getting annoyed by it. Lady Chaos summoned her wings and launched herself in the air in pursuit, followed by the three Rahkshi who had switched into flied mode.
Having recovered from Lady Chaos her attack, Gali noticed Tahu on the ground and rushed over to him. "Brother." She says as she bent down on one knee and placed a hand on Tahu's shoulder.
"Fire has no brothers." Said Tahu with an angry growl in his voice as he lifted himself up, his mask had now a completely infected appearance and both his eyes were a sickly green color. The combination Tahu's outburst and the corrupted appearance of his mask shocked Gali and she took several steps back as Tahu rose to his feet, grabbing his Fire swords on the way. "Fire consumes all!" Tahu slammed his blades into the ground and sent a blast of Heat toward Gali, who two times backflipped at a great distance and climbed up a near hanging stalactite.
As Lewa flew them toward the other side at the village, Tim noticed Tahu's angry behaviour. "What is Tahu doing?!" he thought, he then saw the corruption on his mask and the sickly green eyes, "Wait a minute..." then it hit him, "That must be the power of the white Rahkshi!"
Lewa soon landed on the ground and Tim, Takua and Pewku climbed off him. The Toa of Air looked then at the Matoran and Keyblade wielder. "Quick-speed to Jaller," he says, "warn him." He then takes off into the air.
"We will." Said Takua, he then looked at Tim, "It's time to do my duty." Tim gave him an approving nod. Takua then noticed that Pewku was heading off without them. "Pewku, where're you going?!" Tim and Takua quickly run after Pewku, then moment they catched up to her, the Ussal crab had reached a nearby air tunnel and began to climb the wall. Takua climbed on Pewku's back and urged her to keep climbing, while Tim used his power of Levitation to fly up the air pipe.
They managed to reach several feet up the tunnel, but suddenly, Lady Chaos broke through the tunnel wall with her dark Keyblade to stop them. Even though she missed them by merely an inch, it did not stop her from lashing out at them. Tim managed to repel the attack with Toa's spirit, he then used an ice spell too freeze the dark Keyblade wielder's blade arm to the tunnel wall before following Takua and Pewku.
"You won't get away from me this time!" shouted Lady Chaos.
"Technically, I already have!" Tim shouted back.
Lady Chaos managed to get her arm free and pulled herself out of the hole before flying up the stalactite where the air tunnel was built into, the Rahkshi and Sting crawler Heartless climbing after her while Claw wing Heartless flew with her. But just as she was about to reach the spot where her targets were, a pincer-like weapon known as a Climbing Claw flew stead for her and pint her right wing and arm against the stalactite, catching her by surprise.
It soon became clear too her that the weapon was thrown by Pohatu, who had snapped out of Turahk's power, and standing next to him was Onua, who had regained consciousness. Pohatu then threw his other Climbing Claw at the dark Keyblade wielder, pining her left wing and arm against the stalactite and leaving her completely stuck.
"What are you all waiting for?!" said Lady Chaos as she tried to break free from the Toa's weapons vice-like grip, "Get those Toa!"
Every Heartless in the village, including the once that followed her up the stalactite, immediately charged toward the two Toa, joined by the three Rahkshi.
Pohatu laughs as he and Onua watched the enemy army rushing toward them. "Your turn" he says too Onua.
"It'll be a pleasure!" said Onua as he lifted his hands up, which were enveloped with energy. The Toa of earth pounded his fists against each other before spreading them out and shoot a blast of energy toward the ceiling.
The cave began to shake violently, rocks and stalactites began to break and fall off in a massive cave in. The three Rahkshi and the Heartless were immediately buried by the falling rocks. Lady Chaos noticed the rocks falling in her direction and quickly opened a dark portal too escape, the lower part of the air tunnel began to crumble at a fast pace, quickly approaching Takua and Pewku. Tim quickly flew towards them, placed Takua on his back, grabbed Pewku on the sides of her shell and flew them to safety.
Pohatu and Onua watched as the dark army got buried under the collapsing cave. "Well done!" cheered Pohatu as he and Onua bumped their fists, he then looked at him with a confused look on his mask, "But how did you keep the ceiling from collapsing…" they suddenly noticed dust and small pieces of rock falling around them as the ceiling above them began to crack, "on us too!" the two Toa held their hands above their heads as they quickly run towards the nearest tunnel to leave Onu-Koro while rocks fell on top on them.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, Gali and the corrupted Tahu were still fighting. Gali fires a Jetstream of water with her water axes toward Tahu, causing him to grunt in pain. "Tahu! Remember who you are!" Gali called out with a pleading tone in her voice, getting Tahu's attention, "Remember your destiny!"
"I… have no destiny!" said Tahu as he slowly walked toward Gali, trying to fight the Jetstream of water. Suddenly, he was frozen solid by the Ice staff from Kopaka, who had just arrived.
"Sorry brother." Said Kopaka with an apologetic tone in his voice as Gali walked toward him, Lewa landed next to them a second later.
"Brother's, let's take him to safety." Said Gali, Lewa and Kopaka nodded. They grabbed their frozen brother and rushed in a nearby tunnel, escaping Onu-Koro as it completely collapsed, destroying what was left of the village.
(Po-Wahi region)
The air tunnel Tim, Takua and Pewku had taken led them to the deserts of the Po-Wahi region, were the village of Po-Koro was located. The sunset lights up the desert sand in a orange color. Smoke and dust from below exited the chimney-like exit of the tunnel as the trio climbed out and took a break.
Takua noticed that Tim was panting very deeply, he had used a lot of energy in the last fight and run scenario, he then noticed the Tim was holding his right hand over his chest, which had a long gash on it and blood was dripping out on the sand. "Your hurt!" he says with a shocked tone in his voice.
"Don't exaggerate." Said Tim with a grunt. He then carefully rose to his feet and even though it hurt, he managed to hold his right hand up and summoning Toa's spirit in it. "Heal!" he chanted, casting a healing spell over himself. A purple aura surrounded him, and his wounds healed in a matter of seconds, leaving no traces they were there. The only wound that remained was the gash on his chest, which, even though his repaired armor covered it, had become a large scar. Tim then looked at Takua. "We got to find Jaller."
"Yeah, let's get out of here." Said Takua, as he climbed onto Pewku.
Because of his exhaustion, even though having used the healing spell, Tim also climbed onto Pewku's back and the trio walked through the desert in the direction of the mountains, hoping to find Jaller before the forces of darkness do.
(Le-Wahi region)
Last night, Gali, Lewa and Kopaka had managed to escape Onu-Koro and had reached the Le-Wahi region. Now, at late dawn, the three Toa were still tending Tahu, whose body was now thawed from the ice. Tahu was restrained on a table sized rock with his hands pint on it by Gali's Water axes while his feet were tied up by vines, the now corrupted Toa of fire was struggling to free himself, to no avail.
"The poison is destroying him." Said Gali with a worried tone in her voice while watched Tahu continued to struggle before laying still from execution, "We must counteract it. His life depends on it."
"Do you know the cure?"
"Perhaps, but we must act." Said Gali as she walked to the head side of the rock, while Lewa and Kopaka went to the sides, "Let us summon all the healing powers we possess."
Gali then looked toward Lewa, "Lewa, ready his sword." Lewa nodded and grabbed one of Tahu's Fire swords, its blade beginning to glow a bright orange color.
"Kopaka." Said Gali, looking at the white Toa. Kopaka nodded and grabbed his Ice staff, its blades glowing an icy blue.
They crossed the sword and staff on Tahu's chest, the weapons began surging pulses of pure energy through Tahu's body, causing him to glow in a goldish-yellow aura as they began the healing process. Tahu grunt in pain as it continued for several seconds.
"That's enough!" said Gali, holding her hand out.
Lewa and Kopaka immediately raised the weapons away and the aura disappeared. A minute later, Tahu lost consciousness.
"Brother…" said Lewa with a worried look on his mask and tone in his voice.
Gali then placed her hands several inches apart with palms facing each other, a flash of blue light appeared and quickly turned into a growing orb of glowing water. Gently, she pushed the orb away from her and it fell onto Tahu's body and began to envelop the Toa of fire. After a few seconds, the water disappeared and cleaned both Tahu's body and Mask from corruption with only a small scar where the cut on his mask had been.
Gali smiled with a sigh of relief, then she weakly started to fall back from exhaustion, her armor color fading into a greyish blue.
"You did all you could." Said Kopaka as he caught her.
Kopaka brought Gali to a nearby river, there she knelt down, placed her hands in the water and began to replenish her energy. "Kopaka, do you think the Turaga were right about us?" she asked as her color returned to normal, "Have we lost our unity?"
Kopaka did not answer, instead, he looked in a certain direction.
"Kopaka?" said Gali, who looked behind her, only to find that the Toa of ice had was no longer there. She sighs. "Kopaka."
(Elsewhere)
Jaller was climbing the cliff side of a canyon, the mask of light still in hand. He managed to reach a ledge and took a break, taking his breath, he then noticed to his disappointment that there was one more cliff to climb. He then turned around with another sigh.
"Mata Nui, where does my destiny lie?" Jaller asked out lout, causing an echo throughout the canyon.
The canyon suddenly began to shake violently, causing Jaller to lose his balance and fell over the edge of the canyon. Luckily, he managed to catch the same ledge with his free hand, the mask of light almost slipped out of his hand, but he quickly regained his grip on it.
He sighed in relief as the shaking stops. "Well, I guess I asked." He says, then Suddenly, he heard something approaching him, "Ugh what now?"
Over the ledge, he saw some strange shadows on one of the canyon walls. For a moment, Jaller though it might be someone or something from the dark forces, but when it got close, he was relieved who it was.
"Grab on!" said Tim as he held out Toa's spirit. Jaller quickly grabbed it, and with a good swing was placed on Pewku's back next to Takua.
Jaller noticed his Matoran friend and smirk grew on his mask. "Well, well, well, whatever happened to, 'I quit'?" he asked in a teasing manner.
"I could've, but I didn't." said Takua.
Jaller then looked at Tim. "Looks like you were able to convince him," he says, "nice work."
"Actually, he did that on his own." Said Tim as they continued walking , his face then turned serious, "We have bad news, Lady Chaos had found us in Onu-Koro, and she had more Rahkshi with her."
"Onu-Koro has fallen." Said Takua with a serious tone of his own.
Jaller looked confused, "I don't understand," he says, "the mask of light was never at Onu-Koro."
"They don't want to mask." said Takua, "They're looking for the herald."
"You sure they were after the herald?" Jaller asked, rising a brow plat on his mask.
"Oh yeah, real sure." Said Takua.
"Lady Chaos has told me herself," said Tim, "she told me that Makuta has also set his sights on the mask as well as the herald."
"Then we'd better find the seventh Toa." Said Jaller.
Tim and Takua nodded in agreement and they all continued they journey, following the path the mask of light wanted them to go.
(Le-Wahi region)
Gali was meditating next to the river, levitating as she did. She was trying to focus on what to do with the situation they were in. she was brought out of her thoughts when Lewa approached her.
"Sister, he is open-eyed." Said Lewa, pointing over his shoulder toward the rock were Tahu lead.
Gali got to her feet and followed Lewa back. when she arrived, she saw the Tahu was now awake and panted heavily. "Brother, are you well." She asked as she approached Tahu to check on him.
"No, no I am not well." Said Tahu with a grunt, but his expression quickly softened with a calm smile, "But I… I am alive. And in your debt, my sister."
Tahu then held out his fist at her, Gali placed hers against his and both butted fists with each other. Their unity was restored again, now it is time to fulfill their duty.
Author's note: Greetings everyone, Kornox speaking. Once again, sorry for the long wait, but a lot of thing came in between so hadn't much time to work on this chapter. But hopefully you all still like it, tell me what you think, please no flames, don't forget to review and I see you next time.