A/N - And welcome back! Please, don't be mad about the cliffhanger last chapter! It was - sadly - a necessary evil, and - spoiler - important for the overall plot.
I will remind you, Emma has no idea about her statue in Ta-Koro. She doesn't even know yet if the Toa were told about her. So her wondering if the Turaga kept the Toa in the dark about her shouldn't be that big of a surprise.
I'm trying to keep the characters in line with how their personalities are displayed. If I do make a small mistake, please don't be too upset!
Since I have been asked nicely a couple times, I'm just gonna give you guys a bit of a timeline for my story so far.
Book 1: Arc 1 (Occurs during and after the movie Legends of Metru Nui)
Book 1: Arc 2 (Occurs during and after the movie Web of Shadows)
Book 2: Arc 1 (Occurs BEFORE the movie Mask of Light, but AFTER the comic saga of the Bohrok Kal.)
So basically this book (Book 2 Arc 1) is set before the first Bionicle movie, but after the Toa Mata have become the Toa Nuva and defeated the Bohrok Kal. So it is not part of the movie - at least, not until the next arc (*spoiler!*).
And don't worry 'ss'. I understand. These things happen, and I'm glad that I could help you understand. ;)
Disclaimer: I own squat except for the current plot and my OC(s)
Vakama found himself once again standing before a familiar statue. It was no longer located in the Koro's main square, if only because the main area had been moved after the Bohrok attacks due to the damage suffered here. The statue was amazingly untouched, though it's once brown colouring had faded and greyed over the years. His hand rested on the platform that elevated the statue, his thumb hovering over the corner of the engraving on it. Oh sister… I still wonder why you had to go…
"Turaga Vakama?" A deep voice asked, cutting into his thoughts.
Turning, the red and bronze elder met eyes with the tall form who had come up behind him. "Yes, Toa Tahu?"
The red and silver form of the Toa Nuva of Fire knelt before his village leader, handing over a scroll. "One of the Le-Koro messengers brought it. Said that it was urgent."
Vakama nodded, taking the paper. They had to resort to using scrolls to send messages, as the drums they normally used were either worn or ruined. As he began to open it, the Turaga noticed Tahu's burning red-orange gaze fall on the statue. "Is there a problem Toa?"
The red Toa seemed a bit surprised, before shaking his head. "There is nothing wrong Turaga. I am just… curious that you still come here."
The elder gusted out a sigh. "Tahu, you must understand that before you and the other Nuva came to our island, this young child was our sole protector. An-"
"-An honorary Toa." The Fire Toa interrupted, ignoring the upset glare sent his way. "I know that Turaga, but-"
"Enough, Tahu." Vakama said sternly, and Tahu shut his mouth. The Turaga hid his sigh, and instead focused on the scroll. Unrolling it, he began to read it in silence.
The Toa watched as his Turaga's eyes went wide, his expression at first joyful before it fell into shock. "Turaga…?" He asked in concern as the scroll slipped from the elder's fingers.
Vakama seemed frozen for a moment, before he turned and began to hobble quickly away. "We must head to Le-Koro right away!" He said, his voice filled with panic.
Tahu Nuva watched, stunned as the elder headed off. Looking down at the abandoned scroll, he scooped it up. His eyes widened as he read it, before looking over at the small - to him - statue.
Now, he understood the Fire Turaga's rush.
Matau paced in front of his hut, aged hands wringing his staff. Every once in a while he would stop and stare at the cloth-covered door, listening to the whispers of the Ga-Matoran healers and another aged voice inside. A black hand rested on his shoulder, drawing his attention to the another Turaga.
"W-Whenua-b-brother…" The Air Turaga's voice shook.
The Turaga of Earth squeezed his green brother's shoulder, and gently guided him over to the side. "Nokama will keep Emma safe, Matau. Remember, she has pulled out of tougher scrapes before."
Matau just nodded, not really caring about which of his two sisters his brother referred to. He was simply too worried about the youngest of them.
A hunched brown form hobbled over, and there was no masking his concern in his voice. "Do either of you know how bad it is?" Onewa asked.
Both the other Turaga shook their heads. The Turaga of Stone sighed, bowing his head. "I feared as such."
A series of chirps and twitters sounded from the side, and a white Turaga hobbled over. Even though his translator Matoro was present, none of the three other elders needed a translation, especially with the pained expression in his Noble Matatu.
"We are all worry-scared, Nuju-brother." Matua said softly, trying to both comfort himself as well as his icy brother. "We just have to h-hope everyt-thing will be s-sure-fine." The green Turaga bit back his own fear.
The Turaga of Ice twittered softly, bowing his head with a small tear falling down his mask.
"Now," Whenua said, clutching his staff while he tried to keep his brothers calm, "all we can do is wait for Vakama to arrive."
Five Toa Nuva stood on a nearby adjacent platform, now waiting for their fiery brother to arrive.
"So," Pohatu asked, trying to keep up conversation, "anyone know why the Turaga are so upset?"
Lewa nodded. "It has to do with the strange-weird small-creature who recently appeared. Young fire-chronicler knew her, as did many Matoran."
Kopaka, the most recent to arrive, raised a brow. "You mean the one that Turaga talk about from time to time? I thought she was gone."
The Air Toa shook his head. "Apparently not, as I had to quick-save her and the chronicler from a Muaka-beast."
Gali frowned, her healing instincts kicking in. "Was she all right?" The Water Toa inquired. "Being attacked by a Muaka, even briefly, can still result in injuries."
Lewa nodded. "She seemed ever-fine at first - even declined a wind-fly to the village." His expression became solemn then. "But it was much-later when wise-Turaga came out of his hut, crying for quick-help."
"What exactly happened with the Muaka?" Onua asked curiously. "Was she running from it?"
The green Toa shook his head. "No. From what little fire-chronicler said, she brave-rushed the Muaka-beast with only a branch-twig."
The Toa fell silent, mulling over this new information. They all knew of the island's first protector and honorary Toa - there was a statue of her in Ta-Koro - but they had no actual knowledge of who she really was. To hear that she - a small organic - had rushed a Muaka of all rahi, even to protect someone, was rather startling.
There was a small commotion, and looking over they saw Tahu striding over. Behind their fiery brother the five could also see Turaga Vakama quickly hobbling over to his fellow elders.
Lewa was quick to greet him. "Ever-good to see you again, fire-brother!" He held out his fist.
The Toa of Fire just brushed him off, crossing his arms and looking at them with narrowed eyes. "Anyone want to fill me in?" He scowled.
The other five Toa shared a look, inwardly cringing. Tahu was in another of his bad moods. This would not end well.
She was soaring, soaring so high that the ground was hidden by the fluffy white clouds. Reaching out a hand, her fingers skimmed them, leaving trails of white vapour behind. Raising her head, she rose higher and higher. The wind blew through her hair, running across her face.
There was no fear or panic. She felt only peace and joy. As though up here, with the twin suns shining on her face, she had no worries. She was, for the first time in forever, free.
Reaching the height of her ascent, she felt something tuck against her back, before she dived down. She fell through the clouds, and when she emerged from them, a trail of vapour followed behind her. Below her was a large island, divided into five visible different ecosystems.
Something on her back flared open, and soon she was soaring over the island. She wove around thick trees covered in green, flew around snowy mountains, and skirted the edge of a large desert.
As she flew over a large bay, she dipped her hand into the cool water. Her fingers left a trail of ripples behind her, distorting her reflection, but she could make out her blue and white clothing. Small, bio-mechanical fish-like creatures followed her hand, and she giggled as one brushed against a finger.
Soon, she was flying over a barren, volcanic landscape, with a large volcano rising on the horizon. A massive lava lake came into her vision, with an equally massive fortress sitting in the middle of it. Seeing the red, black and bronze inhabitants, she raised her hand in a wave as she soared past.
Then, she was rising upwards again, leaving the island behind her. She cut through the clouds again, and above her she could see the stars fading into view as the suns set.
As she hovered there, gazing up at the small, twinkling lights, her eyes were drawn to a tiny, gold star shining brightly.
"Never forget this feeling." A voice said, and she could feel a presence come up beside her. But as much as she wanted to turn to him, she could not tear her gaze from the star.
"There will be times of darkness ahead, but you must always hold onto hope." He continued, and she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. "You will face great peril, but you must remain strong."
The gold star was growing in brightness, becoming almost as bright as a sun. She felt drawn to it, and started to rise higher, leaving his grip and reaching out towards it.
"You must fight with the fierceness of a storm." The voice continued. "With the swiftness of lightning, and the strength of thunder." His voice began to fade as she continued to rise higher. "But never forget about the safety light can bring, and always stay true to yourself."
As she neared the glowing light in the sky, she heard the voice say one, last, thing.
"You will do many things, see many things. You will suffer pain and loss, joy and love. But never forget this feeling of freedom. When you face your darkest times, remember it, cherish it, and never let it go." His voice, though faint, was filled with an emotion she could not place, yet felt similar to… affection? "You are more than a child, young one. Never forget that."
She touched the light from the star, and a soothing sensation washed over her. Her eyes slid shut, and she fell into a relaxing, peaceful blackness.
When she came around, she could feel that she was laying on something soft, with something warm draped over her. As she became more aware of what was around her, she could hear faint voices talking.
Then came an aching feeling, like she had been hit by a bus. She let out an involuntary groan.
"Emma?"
Blinking open her eyes, the girl managed a weak grin at the familiar blue mask hovering over her. "Hey… Nokama…" She coughed, her throat feeling a little raw.
The Turaga of Water let out a sound of relief, gently laying a hand against the girl's face. "Thank Mata Nui you're all right…"
Emma moved to sit up, only to fall back weakly with a groan as the ache flared. "What happened?" She coughed again.
Nokama held up a small bowl of water to the girl's lips. "You fainted." The Turaga said as her sister eagerly sipped the cool liquid. "Almost gave Matau a heart attack."
The girl winced as the bowl was pulled away. "Sorry? I hope he's okay."
The blue Turaga gave the girl a stern look, but another voice spoke. "Maybe next time you shouldn't hide your injuries."
Emma looked over, and grimaced when she saw the other five elders standing in the doorway. Vakama, Matau, Whenua, Nuju and Onewa all stood there. "Uh… hi?" She squeaked.
Vakama hobbled forwards, his gaze filled with disappointment as he continued to scold her. "Emma, how many times must we tell you not to hide this from us?!"
The girl looked away, muttering "It's not that bad…"
Now Nokama looked upset. "'Not that bad'?!" The Turaga of Water repeated in disbelief. "Your ribs were bruised and your arm was badly cut! You're lucky it wasn't worse!"
Emma closed her eyes, tears pricking them. "I'm sorry… I just… I just didn't want to bother anyone…" She felt so bad for upsetting them like this.
There were several sighs, but a hand gently rested on her cheek. Opening her eyes, the girl now saw that the others were gathered around her, with the Turaga of Fire having his hand there. "You are not a burden little sister, and you never will be." He said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Please, don't be scared to tell any one of us these things."
Looking around at the six of them, the thirteen year old could see that their eyes were filled with concern… concern, and love. For her. Sniffing, the girl could no longer hold back her tears, and she tried to reach out to them. "I-I missed you guys…"
The six Turaga gave their own teary smiles, and either held her hand or just laid one on her shoulders. No words were needed. The seven reunited siblings were just very happy to be reunited.
They all held onto each other for a long time, just focusing on being together again. Then, Vakama chuckled, gently waving a finger at the girl. "By the way Emma, you are grounded for that stunt you pulled with Nivawk."
The Turaga all shared a laugh as the girl groaned. "Aw man…" But she smiled anyway. She was just happy to be back. Back home.
She was so happy, that she forgot all about her strange dream.
It was three days later when Emma was free to leave the hut - under strict warning to not push herself. The girl decided to wander around, and take in the - to her - new version of Le-Koro. A couple of Matoran waved at her, and she smiled and waved back, careful to use her right hand instead of her left. As she walked away, the girl absently rubbed the bandaged appendage, careful not to pull on it. After a bit, she came to a more quiet area, and sat on one of the bridges.
"A bula berry for your deep-thought?" A voice asked.
Emma jolted a bit, before registering who had said it. "Oh. Uh, thanks." The girl said, and took the offered green, apple-sized berry from the Toa. "Lewa, right?"
The Toa of Air nodded, sitting beside her. "Yes, and you are young Emma-hero, correct?" He grinned at her.
The girl let out a small laugh, settling back with the berry. "I wouldn't call myself a hero per say…"
Lewa gave her a look, raising a brow. "You brave-charged a Muaka-beast to protect a close-friend. You are very great-worthy of that."
Emma sighed, taking a bite of the sweet fruit. Swallowing, she said, "To be honest, that was more of instinct actually. From what I heard, you and the other Toa were the ones who stopped the Bohrok Swarms and Makuta, not me." Looking down, she absently swung her feet. "I was safe on my own world, while my friends here were fighting for their very lives. I'm no hero, just a kid."
A hand rested on her shoulder, and the girl turned to look at the Toa. He smiled at her, giving her shoulder a small squeeze. "You may be small-child, but you are big-hearted." He held out his fist.
The thirteen year old stared for a moment, before smiling and returning the fist bump. "Thanks, Lewa."
The Toa of Air chuckled. "Now, what is your home-world like?"
Emma let out a laugh, feeling much more relaxed than she did before. "Well, my world is a lot more than just an island…"
"So," Emma asked as she walked with Lewa, "where are we going?"
The Toa grinned. "To meet-greet my Toa-brothers."
The girl stared at him, honestly a little surprised. "Are you serious?"
He nodded. "Yep! They are eager-happy to meet you!"
At that she raised a brow. "Really?"
Lewa nodded at first, before stopping and shrugging. "Well, maybe not Tahu-Brother. He has a temper bad-worse than hot-lava!"
Emma could only let out a snort in response. "I don't doubt it."
It wasn't long after that, that the two came to a platform. Five tall forms stood there, all much taller than the girl. The brown one came over, with a grin on his face. "Lewa!" He greeted warmly.
"Pohatu-brother!" The green Toa grinned back, and the two shared a fist bump.
The Toa of Stone noticed the relatively small human standing beside the green Toa, and smiled warmly at her. "And you must be Emma! It's great to finally meet you." He held out his hand. "Pohatu, Toa Nuva of Stone."
The girl smiled back, and shook his hand. "It's great to meet you as well."
Pohatu laughed, laying an arm around her shoulder. "Well, just wait till you meet the others!" With that he guided her over to the others.
He didn't notice her involuntary flinch at the contact.
While Emma was warmly greeted by the other Toa, she noticed that only Tahu remained aloof. Heck, Kopaka had given her a simple nod in greeting, but the lack of response from the Toa of Fire felt a lot colder. His eyes were narrowed at her, as though she was more of an enemy than a friend. Deciding that it would be better to not confront him about his obvious dislike of her, the girl focused more on talking with the other Toa.
After all, they were all protectors the same island, right?
Right.
Emma was sitting on the edge of a platform near the Gukko stalls, watching the Matoran moving about below her. The other five Toa had left with their respective elders - to which the girl was a little upset over, but she bit her tongue. She knew that they had their own villages to watch over, and that she would most definitely see her siblings again in time.
Below her, she could see that the Matoran were setting up another 'Le-Matoran style' party - in honour of her return, as she heard. Though Emma will admit rather adamantly, that she had tried to tell them that she didn't need one.
It was like talking to a thick, deaf steel wall.
As she sat back with a sigh and eye roll, a familiar and unwanted tingle rippled through the back of her neck. Immediately she was up on her feet, arctic blue eyes scanning the area.
A nearby Le-Matoran noticed her movements. "What-?"
"Shh!" The girl shushed.
At first, everything was silent. No Matoran spoke, as though they sensed the danger themselves. Off to the side, she could see Lewa tense, pulling out one of his katana. The jungle was silent, like the calm before the storm.
Then came the buzzing.
"Rama!" A guard shouted, and an alarm began to resound throughout the village.
Spinning around, Emma nearly froze when she saw the massive, black swarm of the large insect-like rahi heading their way through the trees. Several Le-Matoran rushed past her, pilots and seconds mounting their Gukkos and taking to the air. Looking down at the platforms below her, she could see the non-fighting Matoran running for cover. One of them, a child, suddenly slipped, and tumbled off of a bridge and fell onto one of the safety nets with a loud cry.
The girl acted on instinct, leaping off of the platform, grabbing a hanging vine and climbing down. At the end of the vine she dropped a good couple meters, landing on the net and startling the small Le-Matoran.
"It's okay!" Emma held her hands out, even as her legs shook trying to keep her balance on the net. "I'm a friend. It's okay." Making her way over, she gently picked him up and held him to her chest. "You're okay now," she comforted, gently rubbing his back, "it's going to be okay."
After a moment, he shakily fisted her shirt, sobbing softly. "O-Okay…"
The sounds of battle rang above them, and the girl stumbled across the net to a nearby tree. Shifting the little Matoran, Emma gently coaxed him to hold onto her neck. Once he had a decent grip, the thirteen year old grabbed onto the bark and began to make her way up.
About a minute into her climb did her 'Danger Sense', as she was beginning to call it, went off. Emma threw herself and her young passenger off of the tree, avoiding a Nui Rama stinger.
The child started wailing, and the girl grimaced as she landed hard on her right shoulder. She rolled across the platform to reduce the impact, holding the bundle to her chest protectively. Scrambling to her feet, the human darted for one of the huts, where she could see a couple of brown Matoran waving at her frantically.
Emma dove inside, the curtains swishing closed behind her. Looking around, she could see three Le-Matoran - two of them children - and two Ga-Matoran, huddling towards the back. In front of them were the two Po-Matoran who waved her over, standing protectively with tools in their hands.
"Are you all right?" The girl asked, kneeling before the seven of them.
One of the Po-Matoran, coloured light brown and grey, nodded. "Yes. We were able to escape here safely."
A loud crash sounded from outside, startling them. Passing the very scared child to one of the blue villagers, the girl peeked around the curtain doorway. Outside, Emma could see that one of the Gukko's had crashed, and now lay on its side, unmoving. She could see a Le-Matoran who was most likely the pilot laying nearby, but no sign of the second.
Acting quickly, she darted out of the hut and towards the downed Matoran. The girl was able to grab him and pull him out of the way just in time, as another Nui Rama landed just where he had been. As she booked it back towards the hut, she heard a shout. Looking down, the thirteen year old saw the Matoran second tangled up in a hanging vine by his foot. The rahi that had tried to grab the pilot was now focused on the other Matoran.
Emma bit back a sharp curse, sliding into the hut again. "Watch him." She ordered, laying the pilot down before running back out.
The girl quickly jumped off of the platform, grabbing onto another vine and sliding down. She could see the Nui Rama buzzing around the vines, closing in on the panicking second.
Not today Buggy! Emma thought angrily, placing her legs against a trunk. Pushing off, she swung herself around, and with a yell, landed a double kick to the Nui Rama's head. The massive bug screeched, and flew off in an uncoordinated manner.
The girl then jumped off of the vine, grabbing onto the one the Matoran second was caught on. Using her momentum, she swung the two of them to a nearby platform. Emma grunted a bit as she landed, but kept her footing and focused on the Le-Matoran.
"Hold on," she said, bending down and beginning to untangle the vine from his foot, "I'll get you out if here."
He nodded, and within moments she had his foot freed from the vine. Loud buzzing came from overhead, and Emma quickly scooped him up, making a beeline for a nearby hut. She was almost there when something careened into her back, sending her sprawling.
The girl made a small sound of pain as she tumbled, but held the Matoran close. Pushing herself up, she set the Le-Matoran down, glancing up and glaring at the rahi buzzing around.
"Get into the hut," Emma ordered, pulling herself to her feet, "I'll deal with the Rama."
The second nodded, and darted towards the hut. Turning, the girl narrowed her eyes as the rahi buzzed around. It dived bombed her again, but the girl ducked, grimacing as it buzzed past. It flew upwards, before diving around and under the platform she stood on. As the rahi flew out under from the wood, she raced after it. Acting purely on instinct, the girl lunged off of the platform… and onto the bug's back.
The Rama made a loud, ear-grating screech, and began to fly around wildly. Emma yipped, and found herself clinging onto the rahi's back with all her might. It flew left, right, up, down, even upside down, but she never let go. Grunting, the girl pulled herself forwards up to the head, where she was a mere foot from its large, buggy eyes.
Emma did not hesitate to slam her fist into one.
The reaction was instantaneous. The Nui Rama screamed, falling into an uncontrolled dive. The girl was thrown off, crashing hard onto one of the vine nets while the bug slammed into a trunk.
She groaned, her ears ringing as she laid there, dazed. For a moment, Emma forgot where she was, blinking wildly.
Then she looked down.
"Oh my God…!" The girl gasped, grabbing at the vine net in a panic. Too high too high TOO HIGH! "No nonononono…!" She panicked.
Something landed near her, jolting the rope. Emma yipped, grabbing onto the vines in fright and kicking her legs - and felt something wrap around one. Her panic increased further, and she began to struggle even more, only for whatever was holding onto her leg to tighten.
"Easy! Easy…" A voice said, a hand resting on her back. "The bad-rahi are gone. It's ever-safe now."
Emma turned her head, feeling relief flood her system. "L-Lewa…"
The Toa smiled comfortingly, reaching up and rubbing her shoulder. "I got you, Emma-friend. Just relax-calm."
The girl let out a shaky breath, trying to keep her gaze on the Toa. "O-Okay."
With that, Lewa shifted back, and began to unwrap the vine that had tangled around her leg. Once she was free, he helped her up, but the net shook as she stood. Emma yipped in fright, grabbing onto the Toa of Air in a fearful grip.
He quickly held onto her, keeping her stable. "Afraid-scared?" He asked, glancing down.
She nodded, pushing her head into his chest.
Lewa gently patted her back, before picking the girl up. "Just hold quick-tight." He instructed calmly. "We'll be on hard-solid ground soon."
Emma's grip on him tightened, and the Toa moved his arms so that he was holding onto her lower back. Once he had a good grip on her, he activated his Miru Nuva. The girl made a frightened sound as the two rose up. He rubbed her back comfortingly, and with his air powers he gently pulled her over to the nearest platform.
The girl squeaked when they landed, and she stumbled back as the mask power faded. Lewa caught her, steadying her form. "I gotcha… easy-steady…"
"T-Thanks…" Emma said, righting her footing.
The Toa lightly clapped her on the back, smiling. "No, thank you."
The girl blinked in confusion. "What?"
He smiled, guiding her over towards a hut. "You were brave-fierce. Never has this Toa-Hero seen such a young-fighter quick-pounce a Rama!"
Emma stared at Lewa for a moment, before she smiled sheepishly. "Uh… thanks." The girl then stumbled with pained groan. "And there goes the adrenaline…"
Lewa was quick to catch her as her legs nearly gave out from under her. The Toa then helped the girl over to the hut, and by the time he had gotten her onto the cot, the thirteen year old was already half-asleep. The green Toa examined the girl carefully, and felt relief when he saw no visible injury.
"Rest, young-fighter." Lewa gently tucked the girl in, resting a hand on the side of her face. "You deserve it."
Emma smiled tiredly at him, before yawning and falling asleep. Satisfied, the Toa crept out of the hut, waving over a few healers to double check on the sleeping girl. Glancing around, the green Toa was relieved to see the villagers pulling their home together now that the attack was over. Even still, he looked to the sky, orange-yellow bioluminescent eyes narrowed. Something about the attack had felt off, like there was a darker force behind it.
Lewa didn't like it. Not one bit.
In the dark cavern, the servant watched as the tall form chuckled darkly. "Master?" He asked, confused.
The monstrous form turned, glowing red eyes gleaming. "Though we may have not been able to take her out this time, there will still be plenty of chances to do so." He laid a clawed hand on one of the canisters, watching the worm-like creature inside it squirm. "Even though she has been infected, I will not take any chances of her being able to survive again." The claws grated against the covering. "Prepare for the next assault."
"Of course, Master Makuta."
A/N - Now we can start to get into the good stuff! And just to remind you, Emma has always had fear of heights. If you read my previous two books, you would have seen that.
We know now who the dark being is, but I can see that you guys already know who he is! Yes, the Makuta has returned, but who is his servant? He he… this will be interesting! And they are planning against the young girl, so things are gonna get crazy!
Anyways, the reason why Emma and Lewa get along so well at the first meet is because the Le-Toa's very open and welcoming, so it should really be no surprise. As for Tahu… we all know his personality. Hot headed, stubborn, loner… he and Emma are gonna butt heads for a while.
So, even though this chapter wasn't very long, it was certainly filled with some key plot points. Try to find them, because they will be vital in the future!
And of course, we have that mysterious dream. Can you guys guess what it signifies? (It is - *spoiler!* - an important hint!)
I also want to let you guys know that I completed my training, and now I am a certified camp instructor! I'm not sure when I'll get my on-site training or when I will begin to actually work, but I'll let you know when I am, because that will affect my writing time.
Until next time!
Next chapter - Fiery Welcome