The following morning, at the canyon, the Toa continue on their journey to the crystalgate with heavy hearts. They don't want to leave the Kikanalo's body the way it is, exposed to the elements. But, no good, large boulders are anywhere to be found and the soil's no good for digging. And so, with nothing more for them to do, they say their final good-byes and thank yous, and depart. Onewa turns to take one last glance at the final resting place of the Rahi that gave its life to save his. Suddenly, he feels a gentle hand on his shoulder. It's Whenua, "Onewa, we've gotta go."

"I know," Onewa nods, and halfheartedly follows the others.

Without Kikanalo, the Toas' trek is more slow going and Nuju has lost his only source of shade. The heat saps away his energy and makes him feel like he's literally melting. Nokama offers to conjure up a rain cloud to cool him off a few times, but the Toa of Ice politely declines, claiming he'll be ok. However, his main reason is he wants everyone in the group to be up to speed, in case something happens. Try as he might, on the third day since they left the canyon, he collapses from the blistering heat of the desert sun. Whenua gathers him up in his arms and carries him 'til they find a campsite for the night. Then, Nokama cools him off by wetting a leaf she found with some water from their canteen and gently rubs it on his forehead. The next morning, the group considers sticking around the area for at least the day to allow Nuju to recover, but the Ice Toa says it's not necessary. "I feel fine, really," he claims, so, after confirming with him that they should be able to reach the gate in two days, the group moves forward.

"Just do me one favor, at least until we get home," says Nokama.

"What?" asks Nuju.

"Don't be like Onewa and not accept help until it's too late," is her reply.

Even though he knows she's just joking, Nuju can also hear the hint of concern in the female Toa's voice. "I won't," he promises. From that point on, Nuju doesn't experience anymore fainting spells. Mostly because he, a little reluctantly, keeps his promise and accepts the showers that Nokama creates. It is because of this that Nokama is dead tired when they finally find a place to camp.

Thankfully, the Toa don't have anymore unpleasant encounters with the local wildlife for the remainder of the journey, and, at sunset of the fifth day since leaving the canyon, they finally reach their destination--the crystalgate. The same pentagonal shaped stone with the crystal as they found in the room back at Metru Nui sits in the middle of a circle of stone pillars. "Whoo hoo, happy-cheer, we get tot go home!" Matau cries out as the group approaches the gate.

"You're not going anywhere," says a voice, and the Toa discover that they're surrounded by guards from the palace, much to their disappointment.


One question for you readers: Does anyone think that anyone's 'out of character'? (I tried to keep them'in character', but I just want to know)