Tahu assisted Gali as best he could. The Water Toa asked him to help cauterize Vakama's wound, and together they helped to stop the flow of liquid slowly congealing around his mechanical parts. Tahu could only hope that it would be enough to save the Turaga.
Meanwhile, Jaller and the Toa Mahri found their way to the group. It didn't take long for Onua and Lewa to bring them up to speed.
"I think it's time for us to retreat from this city," finished Onua.
"Retreat?" asked Jaller. "We need to defend our home! We can't just abandon the Matoran."
Tahu clenched his fists in frustration and he felt a flash of anger burst through him. He hated the thought of abandoning his friends in their time of need, but Vakama had obviously had a vision. Tahu understood the importance of destiny. They had to go South. "Gali, is Vakama going to be stable enough for us to carry him?"
Gali was still tending to the sleeping Turaga, shrouding him in a fine mist. "I've done all I can for him, but he is lucky to have lasted this long. If we can't get him to a real healer, he won't stand a chance."
Onua put a hand on Tahu's shoulder. "We can't hold out here forever - the Rahkshi will come for us soon. Do you think Vakama will make it through another attack?"
Tahu looked at the ground, contemplating the unfairness of life. The Toa were supposed to be the heroes of the Matoran. Time and time again they had pulled through to protect them. Even when their homes had been destroyed, the Toa Nuva had continued to fight to keep the Matoran safe. The Toa Nuva were a beacon of hope, a symbol of a better future.
And now Onua wanted to abandon them to the graces of Makuta.
But the way he and Gali had laid it out meant that there was only one real option.
"Alright," said Tahu reluctantly. "We'll go. Let's get ready."
Tahu gently lifted the sleeping Turaga into his arms. Vakama wheezed but didn't wake.
Takanuva mounted the Jetrax, while Jaller and Hewkii took the other two vehicles. Tahu nodded to Lewa, who used his mask to levitate the group into the air. In moments, the Toa Nuva's armor transformed into flight mode. Pohatu activated his Mask of Speed, sharing his power with the Toa Mahri. The combined effects of the Masks of Speed and Levitation would allow them to fly alongside the Toa Nuva.
Tahu held Vakama close to his chest as the group sped over the ocean. The sunlight glistened against the water, producing a beautiful, silver shine. Vakama appeared to be in less pain after his treatment from Gali, but his breath was still ragged and his heartlight slowly flashed. They soon approached the Great Barrier and began flying through the tunnels that led them out of the enormous dome that housed the island of Metru Nui. Gentle waves crashed and rockface beneath them.
Tahu began whispering to Vakama. "We will soon reach the Northern Continent, and we will find some who can ensure you recover properly. Soon you will lead us once more, guiding us with your wisdom and your visions."
Vakama didn't stir.
"You've never seen the Northern Continent before, have you?" Tahu kept his voice hushed, ensuring that the rest of his team wouldn't be able to overhear them. He hoped that, somehow, his voice might carry to Vakama and help him pull through. "It's hard to believe that one who has experienced so much has seen so little of the universe."
Tahu waited a moment. The only sounds he heard were the waves beneath him, and the whine of jet engines. Tahu looked down at the Turaga, lying still.
His heartlight had winked out.
Empty. Blank. Faded.
Tahu felt the wind get knocked out of him, choking him up. A chill crept from his lungs to his chest.
He checked Vakama's vitals. His breathing had stopped, his armor was cooling.
Vakama couldn't be gone. Not yet. How would they go on without him? Vakama had always been their light, shining into the darkness. When Tahu had first awoken from the canister that washed ashore on Mata Nui all those years ago, it was Vakama who told him the Legend of Mata Nui. Who told him to find his masks. To collect the Krana. To face Bahrag Queens and the Bohrok Kal. To find the Mask of Life and to awaken the Great Spirit. How would the Toa Nuva go on without the Vakama's guidance?
How would Tahu go on without Vakama?
Tahu clutched Vakama close to his chest as if the warmth from his own body might somehow spark life back into the Turaga, unable to hold back his sobs.
Even with their group as large as it was, it didn't take them long to approach the shores of the Northern Continent. It reminded Gali of how Naho Bay looked at night, with the lightstones around the Great Barrier looking almost like stars in the night sky. As soon as her feet touched the sand, she rushed over toward Tahu, eager to check on Vakama.
"How is he?" she asked as she approached Tahu.
"He's gone," Tahu croaked, as he lay Vakama's body on the sand.
Gone.
Gali felt a storm of emotions whirling inside her. Fear. Sorrow. Despair. And bubbling underneath, anger.
Tahu knelt down next to the body and removed Vakama's mask. Without a word, he handed it to Takanuva. Takanuva carried the mask to the Jetrax, and solemnly attached it to the front of its fuselage.
Gali hadn't moved an inch, lost in her own mind, trying to come to terms with this new reality. Tahu had trusted her to save Vakama, and she had failed. Takanuva, Jaller - all the Matoran. They had trusted her. And when it came down to it, she wasn't enough.
She should say something.
She couldn't find the words.
Jaller was saying something about Vakama being brave and wise, but Gali could only catch a few words of it. Her vision blurred. She forced herself to stand straight alongside her brothers. They couldn't see that she was weaker than them. They'd be listening to Jaller's speech. They'd know that he was saying something profound. Would Jaller ever stop talking?
Why did they expect her to fix this? To heal an injured Turaga? She was a warrior, not a healer! From the moment Tahu lay Vakama in front of her, she had known it was hopeless.
The gashed armor. Cut organs. Leaking fluid. There was never anything she could do for him, except clean his wound and wait for him to die.
She tried to focus on Jaller's speech. "He was a courageous leader, always working hard to ensure the safety of his people. I remember when he used his Mask of Illusion to trick a Nui Jaga that was approaching Ta-Koro! We ensured the Jaga couldn't harm Vakama, and in turn, Vakama used his powers to protect us." Jaller stuttered, took a deep breath, and tried to continue. "He envisioned Ta-Koro as an impenetrable fortress, and he set out to build it. For us. For all of us. To keep us safe."
Finally, Jaller went silent. The beach was quiet again, except for the gentle crashing of waves.
Pohatu kicked at the ground, and a stone pillar rose from the sand. He reached out one hand to the pillar the stone carved Vakama's name into itself.
Gali looked out over the ocean, back to the north where they had come from. That pillar should have been placed in Metru Nui. She could overhear Takanuva talking with Jaller and Hahli, reminiscing about the times spent with Vakama back when they were Matoran. Tahu could be seen slowly walking by the water, seemingly wanting to be left alone.
She wanted to say something to comfort Tahu, but she couldn't think of the words. And if Tahu needed space to grieve, then could she deny him that?
It must have been hours later when Kopaka finally broke the quiet atmosphere. "There should be some Matoran settlements on this island. We should try to gather support."
"Great idea, Kopaka," said Hewkii, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "When the Rahkshi come here, the Matoran can fight in our place."
Onua turned from the beach to face the mountains behind them. "At the very least, we need to get our armor patched up," he said. "We don't need soldiers, but we do need to stock up on supplies."
That seemed to settle it. Hahli stood up and stretched her arms over her head. "We'll travel around the shoreline and see if we can find any villages."
"We saw plenty around when Onua and I passed through here," said Pohatu. "You won't have any trouble finding some."
"Great," said Lewa, who sprang off his back, onto his feet. "We can far-search from the sky!"
And that's it, Gali thought. Already it was time to head back into action. There was never enough time for them to grieve, not even for a Turaga.
From the air, it was easy for Kopaka to find a village. Upon the snow-peaked mountain lay a small settlement, which he had quickly located by using the telescopic vision of his mask. Dwellings carved from stone were built into the mountainside and using his mask of X-Ray Vision, Kopaka could see a maze of tunnels leading down the mountain slopes - presumably for traders to climb up and down the mountain without being exposed to the harsh climate.
Of course, he should be the one to do most of the talking. A Ko-Matoran village would probably respond best to meeting a Toa of Ice. The seven Toa landed just outside the village and parked their vehicles.
"Hello!" cried out Pohatu, as they walked into the small town. He waved enthusiastically to the villagers with his one arm, although most did not wave back. "Hi! How are you all today? I love your gem, it matches your armor perfectly!"
"Oh, your home is so deep-charming!" said Lewa. "I love how sharp-cold the air is today!"
So much for Kopaka being the face of the Toa.
Matoran wandered up to them in awe. Many of the Matoran here had eyepieces built into their masks - even more than had them on Metru Nui. Some even wore gemstones around their necks, or on their hands - one even had them set into his mask. Kopaka might have expected this sort of behavior from Onu-Matoran, but it seemed out of place for villagers of ice to take much notice of outward appearances.
One hunched being looked over toward the commotion and sternly walked up to them. "And just who would these strange Toa be?"
Kopaka stepped forward to meet the Turaga. "We are the Toa Nuva. We wish to find a way to rid the universe of Makuta, and to free Metru Nui."
"Then you will not find any assistance here," the leader snapped. "You must leave my village at once."
"Turaga," cut in Onua, "We wish to free all Matoran from Makuta's reign, including yours."
"All who oppose the Makuta will be cut down," answered the Turaga. "Soon, Makuta's forces will come to us as well, and when that happens, he will not tolerate any dissidence. I am sorry, but I must put the safety of my people first."
Tahu angrily marched up, pointing his finger at the Turaga. "There won't be any safety for anyone if we don't stop Makuta!"
"And what do you intend to do to stop one who sees all and hears all? If we do not accept our fate, we will be destroyed. Now, I must insist - leave this village, and do not return."
Kopaka turned and walked away, hoping the others would follow. He still held his head high. The Turaga's words didn't bother him, even though he knew they were true. Solitude from the Toa would keep Matoran villages safer.
The sounds of Gali pleading and Tahu begging carried over the winds as they whistled through the canyon, but by the time Kopaka reached the vehicles the other six were following him out of the village.
The Toa soon found refuge from the cold in a nearby cave.
Finally, Kopaka would be able to relax for a moment. The rest of the team might be in a sour mood, but they needed to plan out their next movements.
"Kopaka," mumbled Tahu, as he created a fire to warm them up. "Find us the next nearest village."
Kopaka activated his mask power and begun scanning the area. "Why? The Turaga is right. Every village a Toa is in is a village in danger."
Takanuva threw some wood he had found onto Tahu's fire. "Every village deserves to be given the option to fight for themselves."
"No, Kopaka is right," said Gali, as she warmed her hands next to the flame. "Searching for help among the Matoran will only make them targets. If we fight Makuta, we must find a way to do it on our own."
"We need to recruit more help," said Pohatu. "We couldn't defend Metru Nui on our own. How will we take it back without assistance?"
"So you -" Gali said, pointing an accusatory finger at Pohatu, "want to send Matoran to fight Rahkshi? The same Rahkshi that destroyed your arm? Hahli can barely take on a single Rahkshi without help, and you're saying Matoran should fight them?"
"Turaga Vakama told us to find allies," muttered Tahu. "That's what we're going to do."
"If I recall correctly," said Onua, "Vakama told us to ally with a Makuta."
The cave fell silent, save for the crackling of branches on the fire. Kopaka wondered if there were any Makuta left that would be willing to throw their lot in with the Toa. Makuta Teridax had allowed a number of his brethren to be killed by the energy storms in Karda Nui, seemingly for no reason except to slow the Toa Nuva down by a few hours while he moved into position to take over the universe. If there were any other Makuta that had been spared - and Kopaka doubted that there were - they would no doubt be loyal to their leader. A slab of wood fell as the flames grew in size, and the heat began to sting Kopaka's armor.
Gali shuffled away from the growing heat of the flames as well. "The Matoran will not be defending their homes from simple Rahi attacks. Bamboo disks aren't going to be enough to fight against Rahkshi." She exhaled a deep breath. "But a Makuta might be."
"None of this is important," said Onua. "The fact is, we need to find new ways to fight Makuta. How do we fight against a universe without destroying it?"
"Actually," said Takanuva, "Even if the universe is destroyed, we can live on the island of Mata Nui."
Pohatu sat down on the ground, shivering as he touched it. "But the island has been destroyed by the Bohrok. There's nothing left".
"But we can still build on top of it," replied Takanuva. "It's been done before - while I was traveling to Karda Nui, I was sent to an alternate dimension where Mata Nui died. In that universe, they evacuated to the island, building structures on top of it. It won't be easy, but we can evacuate everyone there and build the same way. It will collapse eventually, but it might work long enough for us to find yet another place to live."
Onua began to ponder this revelation to himself, and Lewa made little movements with his hands.
With his Mask of Vision, Kopaka noticed a hint of movement from outside the mouth of the cave. He suddenly pointed his sword toward the mouth of the cave, blanketing the entrance in ice. From around the rocky outcroppings slid a grey Matoran, tumbling down an ever-shifting slide of ice. He managed to land on his feet, and a quick glance made it evident that he was taller than most Matoran. Kopaka eyed the newcomer carefully. "Didn't your Turaga warn you to leave us alone?"
"He hasn't been my Turaga for many years," the smaller being replied. "My name is Mazeka, and if you want an ally to save your universe, I know where you can find it."
Mazeka - riding on Kopaka's back - led the way down the mountain, further toward the mainland. Kopaka scanned the area with his mask power, catching sight of a hidden underground cavern that had no entrance. He felt a sense of dread come over him when he noticed the outline of an all-too-familiar being in that cave.
When they landed, Mazeka called for Onua to help dig into the tunnel. Onua's adaptive weapons shifted to become his quake breakers, and with them he easily drilled into the earth.
Meanwhile, Kopaka shared his vision powers with the other Toa, making sure that they could all see the being that dwelt beneath the surface. No-one spoke. If Mazeka was allied with this being, it would be best to not alert him to the fact that they knew he was there.
Onua pulled a pile of dirt aside, creating an entrance into the cavern. The tunnel was dark, but a faint light shone from deep within.
"Follow me," said Mazeka, as he stepped into the long, gaping tunnel. "Make sure you close the entrance behind you."
The Toa followed Mazeka into the cave one by one. None of them made a show of reaching for their weapons, but Kopaka remained alert for the slightest hint of provocation. He prepared the elemental energies of ice throughout his body, ready to unleash a freezing blast at a moments notice. Behind him, Onua willed the dirt to seal the opening in behind them.
"It's not too far," said Mazeka.
Moments later, the Toa stepped out into a larger hollow. Lightstones were embedded in the rock walls, and two tunnels led into other rooms.
"Looks just like home, Onua?" said Takanuva.
"It's a little smaller than I'm used to," Onua said jokingly.
The sounds of footsteps reverberated through one of the tunnels, and out of the shadows stepped the familiar appearance of a Makuta. This Makuta's armor glistened pure white, a drastic change from the oily colors most Makuta preferred.
"My name is Teridax, and I am not from this world."
The Toa all unlimbered their weapons at once. Kopaka held his shield out in front of him, with his sword held back primed to suddenly counter.
"That makes no sense," said Gali. "Makuta Teridax rules the universe, and you are certainly not him."
"I've been brought here from another reality, very different to this one," said Teridax. "I served the Great Beings, who in your world created the universe."
"You came from another reality?" asked Pohatu with more than a hint of accusatory disbelief.
"There are an infinite number of other realities, many similar, yet all different. In my reality, your universe was never created."
"How can a reality without a universe, without Mata Nui, true-exist?" asked Lewa, slowly moving his twin blades to guard his body. "Where did you ground-walk and wind-fly?"
Takanuva lowered his own staff. "This sounds like the reality I visited. That universe died when Matoro failed to bring Mata Nui back to life. A reality similar to ours, but with some important differences."
Teridax's arms remaining firmly his side, and he seemed intent on showing no signs of aggression. "Your universe is only a small part of your reality. You exist within the Great Spirit, living within his body. In our reality, the Great Beings never needed to create a Great Spirit. I, and the other Makuta, served the Great Beings directly. Unlike the Makuta you know, I was never corrupted by jealousy - and so, I have pledged myself to help save your universe."
Onua continued to eye the Makuta carefully. "So what is it that has stopped Makuta from finding you two and wiping you out?"
The white-armored being spread out his arms, gesturing at the cave walls. "The Great Spirit can see all around the universe - but only from above. He is not truly omniscient. When we are underground - or even in a building - Makuta cannot watch us. Until now, the comings and goings of a single Matoran have failed to capture his attention, but he has certainly been watching the Toa Nuva. This cave will not remain hidden for much longer."
Tahu looked him in the eyes. "We will trust you for now. But do you have a plan? Even if we join you, what hope do we have of stopping our Makuta?"
Teridax inspected each Toa one by one. Although Tahu had said they would trust him, Kopaka remained alert. Gali remained prepared to unleash a torrent if needed, and Pohatu's fierce gaze didn't waver. "Although our Great Beings never created a Great Spirit, they did have plans for one. I have seen those plans. We will build an army, and then strike at Makuta's weak points."
Teridax left the Toa to talk among themselves. Apparently, he had work of his own to do. Pohatu grumbled about not letting him out of their sight, and prepared to activate his Mask of Vision.
"I don't think that's the best idea, brother," said Onua, as he placed a hand on Pohatu's empty shoulder. He spoke loudly to ensure the entire group could hear clearly. "With Metru Nui captured, it is only a matter of time before our Suva are compromised. Sooner or later, one of us will try and switch to a Mask of Shielding, only to find it's been infected."
Tahu took a moment. "I've spent the last few months without any additional masks, and the rest of you managed without them in Karda Nui. From now on, the masks we wear will have to suffice."
"That makes sense," agreed Gali. "It is best that we protect ourselves from all threats."
"I just wish I had switched to my Mask of Speed first!" said Lewa.
The sound of heavy footsteps interrupted their conversation. Pohatu didn't need a Mask of Vision to determine where Teridax was, and turned to face the source of the sound. Teridax rounded the dark corner, holding a strange, silver arm in his hands.
An arm that would fit a Toa. Pohatu wondered whether Teridax already defeated one of their own, and prepared his Mask of Speed in case he needed to dodge an attack.
A second glance at the arm made Pohatu realize this arm was entirely mechanical. It couldn't have been ripped from a Toa. As far as Pohatu knew, the Makuta preferred to busy themselves by creating rahi and modifying biomechanical life, and found little enjoyment in entirely mechanical creations.
"Pohatu," said Teridax, "Come here."
Pohatu slowly approached, realizing the arm was meant for him. "You expect me to trust you enough for this?"
"I hope this gesture will allow you to learn to have some faith in me," answered Teridax. "Please take a seat."
Pohatu looked to the ground and created a stool made of stone for him to sit upon. As he sat down, Teridax stepped behind him. Pohatu's senses remained keenly alert of every movement Teridax made. Without making any movement that Teridax would detect, he began creating an enormous stone above them. If the Makuta made one wrong move, he would find himself trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Teridax placed the mechanical arm up to Pohatu's empty shoulder, and it slid into place easily. Nothing unexpected so far. Then, the Makuta pointed his finger to Pohatu's shoulder, using a quick burst of plasma to fuse the joint.
"Ouch!" complained Pohatu. "If you want me to trust you, burning me isn't the way to do it."
"You're not done yet," said Teridax. With one last touch, he created a slight jolt of electricity. "There. Try to move it."
Pohatu obliged, moving the new arm about. It didn't feel quite right - like it was just a little bit too light, it moved a little bit too fast. "It feels fine, I suppose."
"It looks more than fine," cut in Lewa. "Now part of you looks almost respectable!"
"Ha ha," said Pohatu in a flat tone. "It's not going to strangle me in my sleep, is it?"
"I know you suspect me of wrongdoing, Pohatu," said Teridax. "But I hope this is the first step towards a mutually beneficial alliance."
But Pohatu still wouldn't believe that a Makuta would willingly align with Toa. Teridax had to have an ulterior motive, and Pohatu steadfastly refused to allow his friends to fall victim to this trick. He didn't know how he would manage it, but Pohatu would make sure that the Toa Nuva saw Teridax for what he really was.
Author's Note
'Light' Teridax and Mazeka first appeared in the web serial 'Brothers in Arms'. It always bugged me that Light Teridax seemed determined to do something to help stop his counterpart from the prime universe but nothing ever came from it, so I'm resolving that here.
