"Are you sure this is the way to Onu-Koro?" Tiribomba asked.
"That's what the sign said."
"What if it was wrong?"
Aodhan glanced over at his partner. "Then you can tell it that next we're there. This was all your idea in the first place, anyway. I was just trying to save us!"
"I know…good job with that, by the way," Tiribomba offered.
"They say these tunnels lead everywhere on the island," Aodhan said. "If you find one and walk it long enough, you'll eventually reach the earth village."
The path went straight, then turned right. At the turn, there was a window, looking down into a cave. Sure enough, through the view, they could see the distant village of Onu-Koro. "Wow. This sure is a unique and beautiful view," Tiribomba marvelled. "Look at this place!"
"You look at it," Aodhan muttered, trying not to show how impressed he was. "I miss Ta-Koro."
A while later, Tiribomba had a thought. "Hey, maybe there's a tunnel to the Great Refuge!" he suggested.
Aodhan was about to discredit that claim in some way when he paused. "Hey, look at this…" He was reading a symbol marked low and out of sight by the walkway.
Tiribomba recognized the depiction, showing Kini-Nui with other structures and chambers underground. "That's it! The Refuge must be beneath Kini-Nui, near Mangaia! No wonder Makuta was there—he must have been keeping us away!"
Aodhan considered that. It seemed reasonable. But the Rahkshi were recent proof that Makuta was still here, too. How would they get there now? It was at that time he saw something else he hadn't expected to—three Toa Nuva, reaching them from another conjoining tunnel. He bumped Tiribomba on the shoulder. "Look, It's Toa Tahu Nuva, and Gali and Lewa, too." The three Toa spotted the Matoran and came over. "What are you heroes doing here?" Aodhan asked.
Gali related how the Toa had tracked the Rahkshi from their last sighting in Ko-Wahi to Po-Wahi. At the end of the conflict when they met, Tahu's Hau Nuva had been able to save them. When they escaped from the rain of stone, the Rahkshi were gone. The Toa then travelled to Po-Koro, were Onewa denied any threat or presence of Rahkshi. Travelling to the next nearest village, they had taken a tunnel to Onu-Koro.
"And you two? What brings you to these tunnels?" the Toa of Fire asked. The tint of green in one eye and the darkened color of his mask made him look almost like a different person.
Tiribomba almost commented on it, but realized that a Toa saw battle often, so he didn't ask. "We're trying to find the Great Artakha Refuge," he said instead.
"Well, he is," Aodhan corrected. "I'd be just as happy going back to Ta-Koro."
Tahu sighed a heavy sigh. He looked away before responding, "Of Ta-Koro…there is little left for you to go back to now. The Rahkshi attack devastated and destroyed the village with poison, disintegration, and fragmentation—nothing still stands. Your new place is with the other Ta-Matoran around the island—not here!"
Gali started to say something about her brother's temper, but held her tongue this time. The two Matoran paused for a minute. Aodhan finally looked over at Tiribomba and said quietly, "Toa Tahu is right."
Tiribomba shook his head. "No…no we're going to find the Artakha Refuge!" He was going to make a more respectful argument to the Toa of Fire, but Tahu responded too quickly.
"I have no time for this useless game!" the Toa of Fire grunted. He shoved the Matoran out of his way as he brushed passed them. "But find your way out through the tunnels. Don't take any shortcuts. And guard yourselves—it is not safe."
With that, Tahu hurried on to Onu-Koro, with Lewa and Gali following quietly behind.
X X X
Pohatu Nuva clanked fists with his good friend, Onua Nuva. "Onua, my friend, it seems bashing granite is treating you well!" It had taken some time for him to reach the northwestern village, only because of his stops in Ga-Koro and Po-Koro.
Onua's booming voice laughed. "Pohatu! Look around you—mining has never been better!" He chuckled again as he put his arm over Pohatu's shoulders and the two began to walk. "Oh—you should join me at it, sometime. You know…try doing a real job."
Pohatu gave him a cross look while they walked. Onua met it, but neither could hold it for very long before breaking into jolly laughter again. "Speaking of jobs," Onua continued, "how goes your village's carving?"
Pohatu decided to move the conversation to the reason he visited Onu-Koro. "Their work is magnificent," he said proudly, "but nowhere near as exciting as the other tidings I bring." The two Toa had reached the center platform in a public area. There, Pohatu began his speech. "Matoran of Onu-Koro, the Mask of Light has been found!" Thundurus cheers rang out. Pohatu let them die out before continuing. "Even now, Jaller, the Captain of the Guard of Ta-Koro, and Takua the Chronicler seek the Seventh Toa!"
It was during this conferring in the center courtyard of Onu-Koro when Pohatu and Onua heard steps approaching from one of the tunnels. Pohatu saw an exhausted-looking Ussal crab trotting toward him. His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the figure riding atop the Ussal's back. "Chronicler!" Pohatu exclaimed as Takua and Pewku made their way toward the Toa. "Where is the Herald?"
Takua looked tired and uncertain. He dismounted, allowing Pewku some well-earned rest. "Uh, we got…separated," he said. "After we met the Rahkshi."
Onua and Pohatu exchanged a glance. "Um…'Rahkshi'?" asked Onua.
"What is 'Rahkshi'?" Pohatu asked Takua.
Before Takua could answer, the ground shuddered. The villagers around them cried out in alarm. The Toa of Stone of Earth merely looked around for the source, unamused. Suddenly the cavern wall burst open—and three tall, horrifying figures leaped into view, hissing angrily and wielding long staffs. "Those!" Takua cried, pointing to the Rahkshi. He blinked, realizing that the colors were different—these were red, black, and white. "Except…different ones."
"Just those will be plenty for now," said Pohatu readying his climbing claws.
"Clear the cave!" Onua shouted. "And close the tunnel behind you!"
The Onu-Matoran scattered, racing for the tunnels leading away from the cavern. Meanwhile Onua and Pohatu faced the three Rahkshi. "Welcome to Onu-Koro!" Onua rumbled. He slammed his fists onto the ground, creating an elemental tidal wave of earth and stone. The wave rippled toward the Rahkshi and swallowed them.
But when the wave had passed, the Rahkshi rose up again, unharmed. Onua grunted in surprise. The black Rahkshi, Vorahk, leaped toward him, wielding its staff. Onua grabbed at the staff, trying to pull it away.
The Vorahk hissed at Onua as they struggled over the staff. Then, the creature activated it. Dark hunger energy flooded into Onua, instantly draining him of power, channeling it instead back into the Rahkshi's staff. Onua instinctively activated his Kanohi Pakari Nuva, granting him almost unlimited strength. The Rahkshi's staff, however, was faster, draining even that booster.
"My strength," Onua whispered weakly. "My…my power…" His eyes dimmed and he fell over backwards, landing with a mighty crash. He couldn't move—his energy was completely gone, replaced by a gnawing, devastating hunger.
"Onua!" Pohatu cried. He raced toward the red Rahkshi, Turahk. The creature raised its staff, sending dark energy waves rippling out from it. As soon as Pohatu hit the circle of energy, he stopped in midstride, his eyes filled with dark fear. "No," he whimpered, mesmerized by the overwhelming, inescapable fear. All of his worst fears seemed to be exploding within him. "Water, sinking, drowning…!"
Still imprisoned by a wall of fear, Pohatu was unable to help his friend. And the more he struggled against it, the more the terror overwhelmed him—until, with a final moan of helplessness, he collapsed to the ground.
Takua tried to avoid the fleeing villagers as he and Pewku searched for escape as well. The three Rahkshi turned and spotted him in the crowds. Knocking other Matoran out of the way, they stalked after him with a hiss.
Pewku found her way to a tunnel while the Rahkshi were still halfway back across the large cavern. Takua breathed out in relief. They were going to make it!
Then he turned and saw the scene behind him. The Rahkshi were stomping on huts and shoving aside terrified Onu-Matoran. Onua and Pohatu were still sprawled motionless on the cavern floor.
This is my fault, Takua realized. They're destroying everything in their path—to get to me. "What have I done to these people…?" he mumbled. His eyes hardened with resolve. Grabbing a Kolhii stick that was leaning against a hut nearby, he turned Pewku to face the approaching Rahkshi.
"Yah, Pewku!" he shouted, urging the Ussal onward. "Hyah!"
Pewku tried to do as he said. But so many villagers were fleeing, flowing around them in their race for the tunnel, that they could hardly move forward. Finally Takua gave up. Slumping to the ground, he closed his eyes and waited for the Rahkshi to reach him.
Pewku whined frantically, trying to get him to move. But he pushed her claw aside.
"Go find a real hero," he mumbled miserably. "What can I do?"
At that point, the white-armored Kurahk stalked up to Takua and Pewku, grabbed the Kolhii stick and tossed it away, its Kraata screeching close to Takua's mask.
X X X
At the tunnel's exit to Onu-Koro up ahead, Hahli could hear the sounds of panic and commotion. The first few sounds of metal clanking against rock made her rush forward to the exit, and that was when she heard the screams and saw the devastation. Rahkshi… she thought in horror, gazing down at the earthen village from the ledge of the cave's exit. These Rahkshi's colors were different—red, white, and black—but didn't make her think for one second they would be any friendlier.
If anything, she thought, Makuta sent these only because he thought he had to. That means they won't hold back.
Hahli raced down the slanted path from the tunnel to the village at the same time as the Onu-Matoran were trying to escape. Homes were being destroyed with the physical staffs of the Rahkshi, and Matoran were fleeing fast away to keep from falling victim to their new powers. Hahli looked for familiar faces within the commotion helping to begin the evacuation. She found Onepu and Nuparu directing Matoran to the different tunnels through which they could escape to different villages.
"Nuparu!" she called. "I need to speak with Whenua!"
Nuparu's eyes widened when he caught sight of Hahli running over to him. "Hahli! What are you doing here?" he asked loudly to be heard above the noise. "This is the last place you should be! You're not safe—get out of here!"
"No!" Hahli protested firmly. "I'm here on a mission. Where is Whenua? He's the only one who can help me!"
Nuparu wrestled his decision. He hated to put his friend in danger, but she seemed to know what she was talking about. And the longer he stood around trying to make that decision… "He's back near the village square," Nuparu said, after the fastest seconds of thought he had given anything. "But that's near the Rahkshi! Onua and Pohatu are trying to fight them, but even they've fallen! Hahli, do what you have to, but please be careful."
"I will, thank you," Hahli said quickly, before taking off into a run in the opposite direction of the crowd.
Bumping, pushing, and navigating past the Onu-Matoran, Hahli did quickly find the Turaga of Earth, recognizing his staff, the Drill of Onua, and his Kanohi. Whenua's Noble Ruru gave off a soft glow, revealing its activation and current use. Whenua is probably using its additional vision powers to help him find the best escape for his people, Hahli conjectured. "Turaga Whenua!" she called.
"Hahli of Ga-Koro?" he asked, just as surprised as Nuparu had been. "What are you—?"
"No time," Hahli said, now picking up a pace next to him back in the direction of the escape. She pulled out the Crystal of Purity to show to Whenua. "The Temple of Prosperity—where is it?"
Whenua comprehended. "I put the newly created Temple of Prosperity in one of the bottom shafts of the Great Mine. You'll find what you're looking for there. Be swift," he said, glancing over his shoulder in the direction of the Rahkshi, "you may not find a way out much longer."
Hahli nodded and left Whenua, veering off to the still-flooded portion of the Great Mine. Getting a running start, she dove into the water, using her improved skills and tools to go straight to the very bottom. She found a new cave she couldn't reach before, finding the inside to be decorated with a large mechanical device barring further passage. She swam closer, finding what she was looking for—the symbol of the Principle of Prosperity. She fit the Charm of Prosperity into the keyhole, allowing her to pass.
The following doors and locks similarly had symbols of their respective charms. She used the Charms of Duty and Destiny, the Charm of Prosperity, and finally the Charm of Stamina to gain access to the interior. The ultimatum was a large chamber, again with an inscription on the ceiling reading 'Temple of Prosperity.' Like the Temple of Purity, a lone, single pathway led to a dais at the center of the room, which did indeed carry a spherical orb, about the size of her hand, glowing with a light grey luminescence—the Crystal of Prosperity.
Making sure it was safe with her other Crystals, Hahli doubled back and surfaced. From the Great Mine, she ran toward the exit tunnels, wondering how she would make it in time with the Rahkshi running rampant in the village after who knew what. But then, as good fortune appearing from Mata Nui himself, she saw other colors arriving on the scene—those of Toa Nuva.
With a smile that the Matoran's protectors were here, she managed to rejoin the Onu-Matoran exodus and exit the caves.
X X X
Tahu, Lewa, and Gali raced through the tunnel, heading toward the main cavern of Onu-Koro. They skidded to a stop as they reached the end of the tunnel and saw the mayhem in the cavern. Lewa, underground and cut off from the sky again, was once again uncomfortable.
Gali watched as the Onu-Matoran fled their home now, too, as the Ta-Matoran had done. She was surprised to see a Ga-Matoran joining the escape, as well, using her Akaku Nuva to identify the Matoran as Hahli. She would have to ask Hahli or Nokama later why she was in Onu-Koro at such a time, but right now, that was far from her first priority.
Meanwhile, Tahu's eyes flashed with anger as he took it in. The poison taint, which had spread to cover half of his face, glowed with frequent pulsations as well. He leaped into the cavern without a word.
"Tahu!" Lewa cried, grabbing at him. But it was too late.
"RAHKSHI!" Tahu bellowed furiously, racing toward the creatures. He charged at the Kurahk first. The white-colored Anger-Rahkshi banged its staff on the ground. A ring of dark energy rippled across the cavern floor, hitting Tahu and knocking him off of his feet. The Fire Toa landed with a grunt on the hard ground. Gali and Lewa leaped out of the tunnel and raced toward the action.
Lewa spotted a small figure huddled on the ground near the Rahkshi. The Chronicler, he thought in surprise. And his crab-friend, Pewku. Looks like they're in bad-need of a rescue. He glided toward them, grabbing Takua in one arm and Pewku in the other. "Wind-fly!" he yelled, the sound echoing through the tunnels of Onu-Koro. The Rahkshi hissed in frustration as they saw their quarry fly away across the cavern. They turned and stalked after him.
Tahu's eyes glowed dark, anger-energy flashing across them. The poison taint had spread once again and now covered his entire mask. He leaped to his feet.
Gali gasped as she saw that it wasn't just Tahu's mask that was poisoned now. The taint had spread across his entire body! The Rahkshi's anger-energy must have caused it to spread more rapidly, she thought in alarm. She took a step toward him. "Brother…?" she said with concern.
"Fire has no brothers…" Tahu muttered. "Fire consumes ALL!" He slammed his swords into the ground. Jagged fissures of lava burst into life and tore across the ground in all directions. Gali balanced on a pillar of earth as fire consumed the ground on either side.
Tahu looked at her, but there was no recognition in his eyes—only pain, anger and hate. He slammed his swords down again, sending another fissure of lava right at Gali. She somersaulted away just in time as the ground exploded into flame.
X X X
Across the cavern, Lewa glided down and deposited Takua and Pewku beside Onua and Pohatu. "No thought-thinking," the Toa ordered Takua breathlessly. "Quick-speed to Jaller. Warn him!"
"l…er…will," Takua called as the Air Toa glided away, heading toward Tahu and Gali. Takua led the way as he and Pewku raced toward an escape tunnel. But a few strides away, the Ussal veered suddenly, heading through a narrow foundry doorway instead.
"Pewku!" Takua cried. "Where are you going?" He followed her. A moment later, the Rahkshi followed through the foundry door, too.
X X X
At that moment back in the cavern, Pohatu finally came to and sat up. He glanced at Onua, who was pushing himself upright nearby. "Rise and shine, brother," Pohatu joked weakly.
Onua merely groaned in response.
X X X
The heat rolled over Takua in waves as he followed Pewku into the depths of the foundry. Several fires blazed beneath narrow exhaust chimneys cut into the rock ceiling. Mine-cars loaded with lightstones sat on their tracks, waiting to move out.
Dead end, Takua realized as he stared around the chamber. There's no way out except the way we came…and we can't go that way, now.
The trio of Rahkshi emerged from the entry tunnel into the foundry chamber with a loud hiss. Pewku raced toward one of the chimneys. She grunted urgently at Takua and leaped up, scrambling for a hold on the rough rock sides.
Takua took a deep breath. What choice did he have? He leapt up, following the Ussal into the soot-blackened chimney. "Atta girl," he encouraged. "C'mon!" As he struggled to climb up the chimney, he heard the Rahkshi hissing directly beneath him. He tried to climb faster, but it was no use—the Turahk was right behind him. It lunged up, grabbing for his foot.
Suddenly a claw spun into view, pinning the Fear-Rahkshi's arm to the wall just before its clawed hand closed around Takua's leg. It was one of Toa Pohatu's mighty climbing claws! The second claw came right after, pinning the other arm in place, as well.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Takua pulled himself up to safety.
The other two Rahkshi charged toward the Toa. "Your turn," Pohatu chuckled.
"It'll be a pleasure!" Onua charged elemental energy in both hands, then combined them into a single construct before releasing it toward the ceiling. Even as that attack was on its way, the mighty Toa slammed his fists outward into the cavern walls. The section of ceiling directly over the Rahkshi broke during the physical tremor, but rocketed downward upon receiving the elemental command, piling rocks and stone dust over the incoming Rahkshi.
"Well done!" Pohatu congratulated, knocking fists with Onua. "But how did you keep the ceiling—" There was a rumble as the cracks spread. "—from falling on us, too!?" Pohatu finished. The two covered their heads from debris as they sought cover from the collapsing cave.
X X X
In the courtyard cavern, Tahu swiped his swords at Lewa, who dodged them easily. Tahu lunged at Lewa again.
Rocks rained down on him from the ceiling, mixed with snow. Suddenly a stream of water struck Tahu from behind. Howling with anger, he turned to find Gali behind him. "Tahu," she called. "Remember who you are! Remember your destiny." She unleashed another stream of continuous water, pummeling the rogue Toa. Tahu's armor steamed as the cool water hit it.
"I have no DESTINY!" he roared furiously. Tahu began to walk toward her, despite the high pressure water jet coming at him. "I—agh!" He jumped in surprise as the back of a sword blade touched his neck. He immediately froze from the head down.
Kopaka lowered his ice blade, a regretful expression on his face. "Sorry, brother."
Gali put away her axes and moved toward Tahu, instructing the green and white Toa, "Brothers, let's take him to safety."
Lewa stepped forward. He and Kopaka each took one of the frozen arms, carrying Tahu toward an exit tunnel. Meanwhile, Onu-Wahi continued to collapse and cave-in.
Gali looked around for the last two Toa as she raced after them. After scanning the destroying scene, she saw Onua's quake-breakers smash through the stone of a collapsed foundry entrance. A second later she breathed out with relief as he and Pohatu emerged into the courtyard chamber.
Lewa and Kopaka continued with Tahu, subdued and frozen, into the exit tunnel with Gali following. Once inside the tunnel, she turned back to check on the others' progress. Pohatu and Onua raced across the chamber toward her.
They were steps from safety when there was an ominous rumble. A split second later, the entire cavern collapsed on top of them. Gali gasped in horror. "Our brothers!" she cried as rocks and earth rained down, burying everything in a deep layer of rubble.
She tried to leap out, to go help. But Kopaka stopped her. He gave her a somber look. Gali returned the look for a long moment, then glanced out at the caved-in courtyard area. There was no sound, no movement except the settling dust.
She bowed her head sadly at the resting place of Earth and Stone, and turned to follow the others.
X X X
With a grunt and a clatter, Pewku pulled herself up and out of the top of the chimney. She fell to the snowy ground outside with a sigh of relief. A moment later, Takua clambered out after her. He flopped to the ground, exhausted. He wished he could just lie there, sleeping in the soft snow. But he knew that he couldn't do that.
Pewku grunted questioningly as Takua climbed to his feet. "No time to rest," he told her. "We've got to find Jaller. Come on."