Secret of the Mask 2

Chapter 9

Author's Note: For the sake of this story, just imagine that Ga-Koro is on a peninsula (three sides are surrounded by water while the fourth is connected to the rest of the island). Thanks. ;)

Tahu was beginning to wish that he had never woken up that morning, or at least not have gone to Kini Nui. All in about five minutes, he had succeeded in losing Takanuva's admiration, alienating himself from his brothers and earning Gali's hatred if he hadn't have already had it.

It was probably the last one that bothered the Fire Toa the most. His relationship with his sister was like the sea – at some moments, peaceful and pleasant, while at others, tumultuous like the waves in a storm.

Though he never would have admitted it, Tahu felt obligated to at least attempt to make amends for his actions that day. The only thing that he could think of to do was to try to get rid of the volcano he had made in Ga-Wahi a few days before.

"Women…" he said with a slight growl to himself as he stood on an island in the center of the lava pool within the volcano. "She doesn't appreciate anything I do. She complains about something, and then when I actually do something about it, she gets mad."

Tahu's thoughts returned to the dream he had had just before he woke up that morning. As Tahu's anger boiled within him, the lava began to boil…

"Gali," Tahu said, "why don't I go get rid of that volcano like you wanted me to?"

Gali waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, it's all right. I don't need your help since –" she said and then stopped to gaze admiringly at a Toa other than Tahu, "Takanuva's here." Takanuva puffed up his chest as Gali sighed dreamily.

"Come on," Takanuva said. "I'll take care of that pesky volcano for you…"

Tahu never had the chance to reflect upon this. Snapped out of his angry thought, he found himself reeling skyward. As chunks of dirt flew past him, his eyes caught the glimpse of something…

Red…

Oh no… he thought in horror.

Unintentionally, Tahu had caused the volcano to erupt. The lava was headed straight for…

Gali!

Tahu twisted his body in the air and put his lavaboard beneath his feet. Blown by the force of the eruption out of the volcano's mouth, the Toa landed on the lava as it rolled down the side of the volcano. He rode the lava as it began to form into a wave, hoping that he could somehow beat it.

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A Ga-Matoran raced as fast as her feet could carry her. As she ran, she tried to crowd out the fears that flooded into her mind with a single thought – she must find Gali.

Thankfully, her first guess proved to be correct. The Toa of Water was meditating on the roof of her hut.

"Toa Gali!" Hahli shouted, causing the Toa to snap out of her trance. Turning to the alarmed Matoran, Gali furrowed her brow with concern.

"Chronicler, is something wrong?" she asked, standing up.

Hahli pointed back in the direction she had come, panting. "There's lava…coming this way!"

Gali tightened her fist. "Evacuate the village and I'll –"

"But, Gali," Hahli said, fear in her voice, "there's no time to fill the boats. The quickest escape is over land!"

Finally, Gali understood the truth. "And that escape route will be cut off by the lava," she finished for Hahli. Narrowing her eyes with determination, she leapt off of her hut and began running.

Hahli gasped as she made the terrible realization – she was either about to lose her village or her village guardian.

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One being stood between the lava wave and Ga-Koro.

Riding the crest of the lava wave, Tahu's eyes widened as he recognized the figure. "Gali," Tahu shouted, "get out of the way!"

The Toa of Water ignored him. She stood her ground, aiming jet streams of water at the fast-moving lava. Small portions of the lava hardened into volcanic rock, but were then swallowed up by the red wave.

The wave was closing in on the Toa of Water.

Tahu only had one chance to save her. He had to time himself just right, or they would both be goners…

One… Tahu thought as he weaved on his lava board.

Two…

Three!

He dove off of his lava board, hoping to reach Gali's side before the lava did.

The wave continued on its path, and the two figures disappeared.

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Unaware of what had just occurred, a trio put itself in the lava's path.

"Hurry, Pewku," Takua said.

"We've got to get as far away from Ga-Koro as possible," Jaller said.

"Why?" Takua asked with a raised eyebrow. His friend refused to meet his eye. "Jaller…"

Jaller glanced briefly at his friend. "Just in case we don't make it…the village might still have a chance."

Takua swallowed back the lump in his throat. With a smirk, he put a hand on Jaller's shoulder. "Nothing like going out with a bang," he said.

Jaller smirked. "Won't be the first time we did…"

The wave of lava sped toward them at a frightening speed.

"Here's the spot," Jaller said and Pewku stopped. The two Matoran got off, and Jaller stretched out his arms toward the lava.

Takua watched in horror as the lava filled more and more of his view. He glanced at the Captain of the Guard, who seemed to him to be fearless in the face of death.

Takua couldn't have been more wrong, as his friend was as terrified as he was.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Takua asked, his voice quivering. "How many times have you done this before?"

"Once," Jaller said, glancing sideways at his companion as he paused, "that I did on purpose, anyway."

Takua gulped. We're gonna die. An awkward silence passed between them. Perhaps it was the Takanuva in him that prompted him to say, "I'll be here…"

Jaller glanced at him and smiled gratefully. Closing his eyes, he began focusing on creating a shield. The last time he had done this, it had been an automatic reflex. Trying to willingly recreate it was a completely different matter.

After several long seconds, Jaller found success. "Yes!" A ball of bright red energy appeared before him and stretched, flattening itself out to form a field between him and the oncoming lava wave. Slowly, he then focused on making the shield taller and wider.

The two Matoran braced themselves as the wave covered the small area left between them and it.

The wave smashed into the shield and Jaller's feet formed deep dirt trails several meters' long. Takua and Pewku were immediately hit by the shield and were thrown back several paces behind where Jaller began to get steadier ground.

Takua sat up, holding his head. He stopped and watched with horror as Jaller began to perspire and the energy field crackled.

"The shield!" Jaller shouted, shaking from the effort. "I can't hold it…much longer!"

Takua scrambled to his feet and then gasped.

The lava began to flow around the shield…

Author's Note: Only one more chapter left...