Gali looked up. The Rahkshi no longer flew overhead, having reached the beaches of Metru Nui. The bottom of the sea was now littered with the parts of dozens of Rahkshi. There was no longer any reason for the Toa to remain here, and it would be good to be able to coordinate with her teammates.
"We should meet up with the other Toa," she announced.
"Good plan," replied Jaller. "You look for Kopaka and the others. We need to find Kongu and Nuparu."
"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Gali, concerned that the Toa Mahri might be vulnerable without her.
"We'll be fine," said Hahli. "You don't need us holding you back. You and the other Toa Nuva should be leading this battle."
"Very well," answered Gali, shifting to her Mask of Levitation. "Look out for each other."
She kicked herself upwards, broke the surface, and used her mask power to float above the waves. As Gali hovered in the cool air, her adaptive armor transformed. Her fins reconstructed themselves into jets, allowing her to hover and fly with ease.
Gali took a quick look at her surroundings. Lewa and Tahu were madly flipping through the air on their vehicles, dodging blasts striking at them from below. They rose and dived, rolled and banked, firing at Rahkshi entering the breached walls.
Gali reached out to the ocean, feeling every wave and ripple. She asked for its assistance. And the ocean gave it to her. An enormous wave formed, rushing to the banks. It crashed down on the Rahkshi camped beside the defensive wall, dragging them out into the sea.
Taking out his next target caught Tahu's attention. With the remaining Rahkshi at the beach struggling with Gali's attack, Tahu took the opportunity to hover towards her.
"Hop on!" he shouted, gesturing to the wing of the Jetrax.
Gali climbed onto the side of the vehicle. "Where are the others?"
Tahu began firing the Jetrax's skyblasters at the spluttering Rahkshi in the sea. The Rahkshi were too focused on trying to escape the water to be able to fire their staff weapons, and Tahu ripped through them with ease.
"Pohatu got himself injured, and Lewa forced him out of the fight," he answered. "I'm not sure where Onua and Kopaka are."
She tried to push the concern for her team out of her mind. "How are we doing out here?"
Tahu tightened his grip around the controls of his Jetrax. "They're in the city. We thinned their numbers, but there are too many this time."
Gali felt her lungs tighten. "What about the Matoran? Are they safe?"
"They all fled when the Rahkshi breached the walls." Tahu blasted the last of the Rahkshi trying to pull itself from the water into atoms. "But that's the last we've seen of them."
"We should go and check on Pohatu," said Gali. "Then we can plan out our next move."
"Good plan," answered Tahu. He looked out to see Lewa finishing a tight loop. When Tahu was sure he had his attention, he made a hand gesture that said, follow us.
Gali switched to her Mask of Vision and quickly located Pohatu. The Rahkshi seemed to have headed deeper into the city and had left the perimeter deserted. Moments later, Tahu, Gali, and Lewa landed in the city, just by the protective wall. Pohatu walked over to greet them, nursing his empty shoulder socket with his remaining hand.
Gali checked over Pohatu's injury, washing the organic tissue with a sphere of water she had summoned. "You look clean enough, and I don't think you will get infected," she said. "When this fight is over, we will need to get the Turaga to build you a new arm."
Tahu looked around, alert for any potential attackers. "Lewa, you and I will head into the city and see what we can find. Gali, you stay here and look after Pohatu."
"Hey!" said Pohatu. "I'm not a useless sack of rocks! Arm or no arm, I'll protect this city!"
"Pohatu," insisted Gali sternly. "We need you to remain in one piece."
"A bit late for that," Pohatu muttered, kicking the ground indignantly.
"We're only going to scout it out," said Tahu, switching to his Mask of Vision. "We don't need an army to do that. The two of us will be more than enough."
Lewa pulled himself up from the ground. "Wouldn't it be better to cloud-sneak in the air?"
"They'd spot us in no time, and there's no way we could fight off that many of them," answered Tahu. "It will be better to slip in on foot."
"Alright," said Lewa. "This sounds easy. We rush in, defeat the Rahkshi, stop Makuta, and bring Pohatu an afternoon snack."
Lewa had switched to his Mask of Speed and shared its power with Tahu. When Ta-Koro was destroyed by the Rahkshi, Tahu's Suva and his other five masks were consumed by the lava that had once protected them, so Lewa and the other Toa Nuva often had to share their mask powers with him. Tahu's only remaining mask was his favored Mask of Shielding.
The two Toa sprinted through the city at the high speeds afforded by the Mask of Speed. Winds howled through the empty streets, but their footsteps were the only other sound that could be heard.
Where has everyone gone? Wondered Lewa. What dread-plan does Makuta have in store for them?
As they were about to round a corner, Tahu put his hand out to stop Lewa and peered around the side of the building. They had stopped running, but Lewa could still hear footsteps.
Tahu popped back and whispered. "The Rahkshi are rounding up Matoran and herding them further North."
"Heading to the Coliseum?" Lewa asked.
"It's a fair bet," Tahu replied, using his Mask of Vision to check the way was clear. "They're gone now. Let's tail them."
The pair crept behind the Rahkshi, using their Masks of Vision to keep watch while safely hidden behind street corners and empty buildings. Dozens of Matoran were being led deeper into the city. Rahkshi guards carefully watched for any sign of attempted escape.
Lewa saw one Matoran fall a few steps behind the others. The straggler was quickly struck by the flat of a Rahkshi's blade, and fell to the ground, dazed. The Rahkshi screamed, and the Matoran scrambled to his feet. He rushed back into step with the rest of his group, eager to avoid further antagonizing their aggressive captors.
Soon, another group of Matoran, also guarded by Rahkshi, approached the first group. The two groups merged into one larger group and marched across a bridge.
"Watch our backs, Lewa," said Tahu. "Make sure no-one sneaks up on us."
The bridge to the Coliseum soon came into view. Dozens of Rahkshi herded hundreds of Matoran over the bridge and into the gaping entrance of the Coliseum. Matoran looked around nervously, but the hissing Rahkshi keeping an eye out for any sign of dissent kept them in line.
"This isn't pretty, Tahu," said Lewa. "How are we going to force-stop Makuta's rule?"
"There's no way we can take out a group this large," Tahu said, clenching his Magma Blades. His eyes darted around the Coliseum. "We'll have to take them out in smaller groups." He tried to inject an edge of determination into his voice, but Lewa could tell he was forcing it.
The last of the Matoran had entered the maw that was the entrance to the Coliseum. Seconds of silence past, until -
"Matoran of Metru Nui!" Makuta's gravelly voice echoed from all around. "I am your new ruler, your new leader - your new Great Spirit! From now on, you will bow before me, serve me, and work in my name! I have defeated the Toa, I have defeated the Turaga - and now, I will usher in a new age of prosperity to you all!"
Lewa watched Tahu as his eyes narrowed into an expression of anger and frustration.
"Do not fear," continued the voice. "I am not an unjust ruler. Just as betrayal will be punished harshly, loyalty will be rewarded. Loyalty, such as that shown to me by my dear friend Akhmou - your new Turaga."
As Makuta droned on, Lewa placed a hand on Tahu's shoulder. Tahu's shoulder was hot, far hotter than a Toa would be under normal circumstances, and his body temperature was still rising.
"Do not be so ever-quick to give in," said Lewa. "We will find a way to make this right. But not here, and not now."
Tahu's head snapped to face Lewa. "Can we? How can this ever be made right? How can we fight a foe that controls the universe?" The Toa of Fire turned back to look at the Coliseum. "Makuta has taken my home from me again. And this time, he has more power at his command, more forces awaiting his orders, than he ever has before."
Makuta's rumbling voice continued to fill the surrounding area. "...for every Toa that remains on this island after sunset, I will sacrifice one Matoran. Tahu, Lewa - you really should get moving."
At his command, a dozen Rahkshi flew out of the Coliseum in three different directions, moving to box the two Toa in.
"We had better quiet-leave, Tahu," whispered Lewa. He had already seen one of his teammates injure himself in a reckless assault on the Rahkshi, and he would not forgive himself if he allowed it to happen a second time.
But Tahu stood, looking out over the city he had sworn to protect, his eyes laser-focused on two Rahkshi racing towards them. A moment later, the ground before them combusted, flames arcing and crackling five meters high. Before Lewa knew it, the Rahkshi were flying through a blaze of fire, no longer visible through the smoke.
But Lewa knew that a little fire wouldn't bother the beasts for more than a moment. "Come on Tahu! If we leave now, we will live to fight another day! We can't quick-help the Matoran, but we will. For now, we need to seek-find Onua and Kopaka!"
Tahu stood his ground for a moment, before turning back toward Lewa. "You're right, Lewa," Tahu quietly answered, fury slowly leaving his voice. "Let's get back to the rest of the team."
Pohatu paced back and forth, waiting for Lewa and Tahu to return. He wanted to be out in the fight with Tahu, but Gali wouldn't have any of it.
He'd been less relaxed lately, and more easily agitated than usual. Makuta had already deceived them in the worst possible way, and he wasn't about to let something like that happen again. It would only take him a second with his mask of speed to dash away. Gali wouldn't be able to catch him unless he let her. But that would leave Gali vulnerable if the Rahkshi return.
Suddenly, the ground around him vibrated and began to burst open. Pohatu readied one Climbing Claw, ready to fight off the attackers. The street crumbled away as a crack in the earth was torn open by an invisible force.
Onua climbed out of the newly formed tunnel, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light. A moment later he turned back to help pull Kopaka out.
Pohatu relaxed and approached Kopaka. "Oh good! Just the friendly face we wanted to see!"
Kopaka ignored the jibe. "Where is Tahu?" he asked, not bothering with greetings.
"He went looking for you with Lewa," said Pohatu. "Looks like he shouldn't have bothered."
Gali walked over to the rest of the group. "Hopefully they will find Takanuva and return to us shortly."
"The city is empty," said Onua. "It looks like the entire Rahkshi force has herded the Matoran away."
Kopaka looked into the city, activating his mask power. "We should go and look for Tahu and Lewa."
"Not a bad idea," chimed in Pohatu, seizing the opportunity that had presented itself. "Onua and Gali can wait for us here, and Kopaka and I will look for them from the air."
"Fine." Gali threw up her hands. "I am tired of arguing with you anyway. Trying to stop you from racing around is like trying to wrestle a Takea Shark away from its prey. Just try not to lose any more limbs."
"But I liked it so much the first time." Pohatu was already using his Mask of Levitation to hover in the air.
Once his armor shifted to flight mode, he rocketed up into the air, heading back over the city. He glanced back to confirm that Kopaka was behind him, and gave him a quick thumbs up. With Kopaka's Mask of Vision, it wouldn't take them long to locate the other Toa.
Takanuva should have been more careful. While he was following a group of Matoran being herded away, he had walked into the midst of a group of Rahkshi lying in wait. The smoldering husks of two Rahkshi lay on the ground, but another had grabbed him from behind, trapping his arms in a complex lock. Takanuva shoved and twisted as he tried to break free, but the Rahkshi's grip only tightened with his efforts. Although his right shoulder ached as it was forced into an unnatural position. He slammed his arms down in an attempt to break free, only succeeding in making his muscles burn. Before him, the final member of the Rahkshi group pointed its staff at him, preparing to finish the Toa of Light off. This is it, Takanuva thought. I've finally met my end.
WHACK.
The Rahkshi in front of Takanuva toppled to the ground.
Three more whacks sounded in quick succession, and the Rahkshi holding him captive dropped to the floor as well. Takanuva didn't know what had saved him, but he wasn't going to waste any time arguing. He fired two quick beams of light from the palms of his hands at the two fallen Rahkshi, piercing their armor and killing their Kraata instantly. Two more empty shells were left in the street.
The air shimmered in front of Takanuva, and suddenly Vakama was standing before him.
"Vakama! You escaped the Rahkshi?" exclaimed Takanuva.
"I am not so powerless that I cannot evade these beasts," answered the Turaga. "It has been so long since I, too, was a Toa - but I have not forgotten all I knew."
"Have the other Turaga escaped?"
Vakama looked to the ground and shook his head. "I saw Nokama and Whenua being taken away. I do not know the fate of the others. But I must believe that, wherever they are, they are safe." He turned to look toward the center of the city, where the Coliseum towered above the transport chutes that ran above the streets. "Takanuva, it is time for us to leave this city once again."
"Why should we leave the city?" Takanuva asked. "We have to defend our Matoran brothers and sisters!"
"Even united with the other Toa, you cannot retake Metru Nui. There are simply too many Rahkshi. You do not have the numbers."
"Vakama, I can't just abandon the Matoran!"
"Even if we vanquish some Rahkshi, more will take their place. And in response, Makuta will harm the Matoran to punish us. Makuta can be defeated, but not here, and not now."
Takanuva looked over the city. Ahkmou's voice continued to boom, as he told the Matoran what their new roles and expectations would be. Takanuva didn't want to admit it, but deep down he knew Vakama was right. "Alright, we'll leave. Let's see if we can find the Toa Nuva."
Takanuva turned to follow Vakama when he noticed a shimmer out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly, a hand had grabbed Vakama, and the wall next to them seemed to change color. A spindly gold hand restrained the Turaga's arm, and a curved, red body seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Takanuva charged, swinging his Power Lance at the hissing Chameleon Rahkshi.
The Rahkshi slashed Vakama's chest with its staff. Vakama cried out. Takanuva's lance pierced the Rahkshi's body and filled it with light. The Rahkshi dropped to the floor.
Vakama's hand went to his chest. His eyes widened in shock as his legs gave out.
Takanuva caught the Turaga as he fell. "Vakama! Are you okay?"
Vakama looked up to Takanuva, his eyes going pale. "Takanuva, leave me here." His voice was sharp and pained. "Find the other Toa. I will only slow you down."
Warm fluid dripped onto Takanuva's hands, escaping from the wound. "I'm not leaving you behind! We'll find Gali, I'll get you help."
Takanuva picked Vakama up and ran through the city as fast as he could. He leaped from a balcony, and weaved through the streets, desperately willing Vakama to hold on until they could find the other Toa. He glanced down. Vakama's eyes flickered off. Takanuva kept running toward the edge of the city.
Vakama started mumbling as Takanuva raced towards the shattered perimeter wall. "Universe… Makuta… destroy the universe..."
His heartlight raced, his muscles burnt, and he could only hope that he would find the other Toa in time. He willed his legs to run even faster, pushing the pain out of his mind. As Takanuva gasped for air to fill his lungs, so did Vakama.
"Takua," whispered Vakama, as his eyes suddenly flashed open, brightly lit. "Find Makuta… Northern Continent. Return here, and destroy Makuta."
Takanuva couldn't focus on whatever it was that Vakama was trying to tell him. His feet pounded the streets as he tried to make it to the Toa Nuva in time.
Once they were sure the Rahkshi couldn't target them, Lewa and Tahu rose into the air, hoping to get a better view to find the other Toa. Below they saw Takanuva running for dear life.
"What is he quick-running from?" asked Lewa. "There's nothing around."
But Tahu spotted a flash of orange in his arms. "He's carrying someone. We should help him."
As Tahu dived into meet them, he realized who Takanuva was carrying. Questions ran through his mind. Was he hurt? Injured? As he landed, he got a clear look at the fluid pouring out of Vakama's enormous wound.
"Hand him to me!" Tahu cried, yanking Vakama out of Takanuva's arms. Without another word, he leaped back into the air and rocketed toward the beach.
With his vision enhanced by his mask, Kopaka saw Tahu rocketing towards them at high speed. Lewa wasn't far behind.
"I guess we've found them," Kopaka announced.
A moment later, Tahu sped past, a jet of flame left in his wake.
"What's he in such a rush for?" Pohatu asked.
One moment, Gali was waiting patiently for the rest of their team to return. The next thing they knew, a blur of red appeared before them, throwing up dust and dirt.
"Gali," gasped Tahu, as he lay Vakama on the ground. "Vakama's hurt. Help him."
Gali stood over Vakama, taking stock of the situation. Vakama's wound was deep, much deeper than any she had seen before. Pierced armor was digging into his flesh underneath. Gali called upon water to create a soothing sphere, using it to cleanse the injury and remove impurities. Vakama stirred for a moment, but he soon fell back into a deep sleep, his only movement caused by his ragged breathing.
Gali found herself struggling to steady her breathing. Water had could purify and cleanse, but all the purification in the world couldn't heal a wound like this. If only she had a Mask of Healing.
As Gali worked, Kopaka and Lewa landed nearby. Lewa had carried Takanuva with him and placed him gently on the ground.
As soon as he was back on his feet, Takanuva rushed over to see Vakama. He looked almost peaceful. Takanuva was about to leave Gali to her work when he saw Vakama's eyes slowly light up.
"Tahu… Takanuva… Toa Nuva…"
"Don't struggle, wise one," said Tahu, as he placed a hand on Vakama's shoulder. "We'll get you through this."
"Do not worry, Tahu," smiled Vakama. "Leave me. You must fly to the Northern Continent. There, you will find an ally. A Makuta… of light." Vakama suddenly began coughing and spluttering.
Takanuva held Vakama's hand. "Save your breath. You can tell us when you have recovered."
Vakama wearily continued, even as his eyes drooped. "Takanuva, listen to me. He will help you to defeat Makuta. Beneath the Coliseum… Makuta's mind… Destroy..."
Vakama began mumbling as his eyes flickered, and he lost consciousness once again.
"Sleep, Vakama," whispered Tahu. "We'll save them. But you'll be with us when we do."
