Brutaka's Game: Ch 1

Sarah took a step back and stared at the items she had on her bed.
"Lets see here. Hygiene kit? Check. Clothes? Check. Sunday clothes? Check. Flute?... Flute?" She looked around her room. Her flute case was nowhere to be seen.
"Now where did it go?" She asked herself. "I could've sworn I put it here just a few minutes-" she stopped as she looked behind her suitcase. "There it is." She said with relief. "Oh! Can't forget the music either." she placed the items in the case and zipped it up. Right then she could hear a knock on the door.
"Sarah, are you ready to go yet?" asked her Mom. "We're running late."
Sarah gave out a deep sigh. "Yes Mom." She carried her luggage out to the car, passing by her wall decorated with trophies and photos of her marching band experiences. After placing her luggage in the trunk, she closed it and got inside the car. Her mom turned the keys and the car started.
They soon got onto the freeway, where they made a turn on to Highway 205. From the highway Sarah got a good view of Mt. Hood and the Cascade Range as it towered above them. As the highway changed from east to north, Sarah rested her head on her hands, while her elbow supported her against the window. Her mother noticed the long look on her face.
"Sarah, I know you're upset, and we'd like to plan a day where you can come rafting with us too, but no other date works."
"I know."
"There's always next year's trip, and besides, it's not every day you get to go to New York City. You should be excited to compete in the national championships."
"I am." but her tone showed no enthusiasm, "But I'd prefer to go white water rafting with my friends."
"Your friends are in band too aren't they?"
Sarah paused. "Yeah."
"Then you'll be fine. I've been to New York and you'll have a fun time there."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Fun? Mr. Petrik has been working us all summer. I bet when we get there the first thing he's gonna have us do is rehearse. I haven't done anything exciting and the one chance I get for an adventure, they decide to hold the championships."
"It's not the end of the world. There are plenty of adventures out there." she replied gently. As the car pulled up to the airport she looked at her. "In fact I challenge you to make this tip an adventure. Can you do that?"
Sarah glanced over. "Yeah," she said softy. They soon made it to the terminal. The two got out and unloaded the luggage.
"Now here's your ticket and have fun okay?"
"I will." Her mother smiled and hugged and kissed her before giving her the ticket.
"And be safe."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Sure thing." The two exchanged waves of goodbye before Sarah watched her mother drive away. She grabbed her suitcase and walked into the terminal. Inside her classmates were together with their luggage grouped near the ticket counter. A thin man in his mid twenties approached her. He had brown hair and a goatee.
"Sarah, you made it." said Mr. Petrik.
"Hi Mr. Petrik." she smiled.
"Just go to the others and we'll soon be ready to board." As she walked past him her smile quickly disappeared.
"You made it." cheered Mackenzie. Sarah put on another smile and hugged her. "I don't know about you but I'm stoked." She shrugged.
"Eh, feeling so so about it."
"Oh come on, it's going to be great. Think of it as an adventure."
"Eh, one problem with that." She then took on a sarcastic tone. "It's a city."
"So?"
"Cities are noisy, crowded, and personally, looking out a skyscraper window to see the whole place isn't really much of a view. If you want a view, go to Crater Lake, or the top of Mt. Hood."
Mackenzie placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow. "You climbed Mt. Hood?"
Sarah paused. "No." She admitted, "But I want to someday."
"All right, everyone's here. Now onward to the security check" Mr. Petrik yelled. Sarah sighed.
"Well," said Mackenzie "what are we waiting for? Let's go."

Lewa Nuva yawned as he got out of bed and looked out the window. The mid-morning light shone through the window, illuminating the room, while the chirping of birds filled the air with song. He then looked down to see Takanuva still sound asleep and snoring heavily. Lewa smiled at the sound-asleep Toa. He silently walked to him and squatted down. Then he cupped his hands around his mouth, took in a deep breath and shouted.
"Hey! Fire-spiter! Wake up! Sleep-over is over!"
"Ah!" Takanuva yelled as he jolted up to his feet and took a defensive stance. Lewa cracked a smile before falling onto his bed laughing. Realizing there was no trouble, Takanuva's arms limped downwards and his shoulders sunk as he rolled his eyes.
"Lewa, don't scare me like that. I thought it was another Rakshi attack."
Lewa chuckled. "No Makuta sons here fire-spiter. Just me. So, are you ready for your lesson-training?"
Takanuva looked at Lewa with surprise. "What? Now? I've only been a Toa for a day!"
"The sooner, the better." Lewa replied, "Today we'll start the day up high-branch." He then began to walk out of the hut.
"Doing what?"
The Toa of air turned around and smiled. "We're going to tree-launch."
"Oh... Wait a minute, isn't that Gukko Bird ridding?" Takanuva asked in a confused look.
Lewa nodded his head. "Meet me up-tree." he said before drawing out his blades and flying off.
Takanuva's expression went from a look of confusion to annoyance. "Great," he grumbled to himself. "Just what I need, more flying." He let out a sigh and went outside. Cheerful Matoran were traveling all around, swinging on vines and crossing bridges. Near the center of the village was a stump so large that it housed their Kohli field, which the Matoran were playing in. He would've gladly joined them, but the new rules he had to follow put a damper on that. He began to make his way to the Gukko Bird air force. His balancing act along the branches reminded him of his new size.
Soon he was swinging with vines from tree to tree. Occasionally he had to use another vine to get across. He was almost at the base. All he had to do was swing across, using three vines to get there. He grabbed the first vine tightly, counted to three and pushed himself off the branch. He swung though the air for a few seconds before letting one hand go to catch the other vine and then freeing his other hand in preparation for the third vine. When he approached the vine, he accidentally let go too early.
He quickly reached out as far as he could, but his fingertips were short by inches. His eyes widened and he screamed as he plummeted to the ground. He braced his arms in front of him and closed his eyes, waiting for the end. But for several seconds nothing happened. He slowly opened his eyes and found himself face down and hovering twenty feet above the ground. He looked and saw Lewa with his right hand grabbing onto a vine and the other holding onto his foot. The Toa of air stared at him with a fat smile.
"You fire-spiters sure have a way of ground-bounding." he chuckled.
Takanuva couldn't help but smile awkwardly. "I guess it runs in the family."
"Well come on now, time to get started-going on your air-flying. Maybe then you wont ground-bound so much." His mask glowed and he let go of the vine. The two remained suspended in mid air for a moment before slowly levitating upwards until they were at level with the air force base. Lewa then stuck his hand out and away from the base and created a gust of wind. The force pushed them towards the base until they were far away from the edge. He then slowly lowered himself until Takanuva could touch the ground and let him go. The Toa of light quickly got on his feet and then watched his brother land gently, like a feather.
"So fire-spitter, ready for some air-flying?"
The question made Takanuva's smile disappear. "Yeah," he bluffed. He spun around and saw the large bird hovering in the air. It squawked loudly as the rider on it landed the Rahi right in front of him.
Takanuva glanced at his brother with an uneasy look. "Lewa, are you sure about this?" he asked nervously.
"Don't worry, fire-spitter, you'll quick-learn this." Lewa chuckled. Takanuva cautiously sat on the Gukko bird and grabbed onto the handles. He took a deep breath and gave the bird the order to fly. The bird let out a sharp chirp before taking off. The speed in its take off caught the Toa of light by surprise and he couldn't help but give a quick scream. The bird flew aimlessly through the trees and above the forest, making him scream even more.
He soon recollected himself and took control of the bird and began to steer the creature where he wanted to go. It obeyed and flew up above the trees. Lewa saw them fly overhead, Takanuva yelling ecstatically. He smiled and drew out his air katana. A few quick steps and he used them to launch himself into the air and followed.
Takanuva soon settled down. He felt less afraid than when he did this as a Matoran. He flew the Rahi left and right, up and down and even did loops in the air. He then flew higher, almost reaching the clouds. Lewa followed alongside.
"See? What did I promise-tell you?" he asked.
"This is amazing!" exclaimed Takanuva, "I can see the entire island from up here."
"Yeah. It's quite a sight-view. You should see-look it during sunset."
"I'll have to do that." he smiled. He then noticed something from the corner of his eye. A small column of black smoke emerged between the Le-wahi and Ta-wahi region. He signaled Lewa and pointed in the direction of the smoke.
"Uh-oh," said the Toa of air, "looks like there's trouble-danger. Better go search-look this." Takanuva nodded in agreement.

Sarah sat quietly as she waited for the plane. Most of the band chatted amongst each other while she and a few other students were watching a football game on TV. Actually, they were watching. She was focusing on her book. Every time her classmates cheered for their team she would flinch and give herself an annoyed look.
Mackenzie noticed Sarah's behavior. "Why so down?"
"It's nothing," she replied. "I'm not really a big sports person."
"Why not?"
She shrugged. "I guess it's boring. All you do is sit and watch as the ball goes from one end of the field to the other. Even though I suck at them, I'd prefer to play sports rather than watch them."
"You obviously don't know what you're talking about" said someone behind her. She turned around to see Janet standing right behind her. She wanted so badly to tell her to shut up, but she knew better. Instead she squinted her eyes at her and turned back around. If there was anyone in the band she hated more than Mr. Petrik, it was Janet.
To Sarah, Janet was a snot-nosed brat. She was always telling other members in her section what to do, getting all of the solos, and being rude by texting while the teacher was talking. She was a royal pain in the butt and the worst part wasn't that Janet was a flute player too, but that she had to sit next to her in class. After sitting next to her for over two years now, she just wanted to strangle the little witch and pour water over her and smile as she melted. Her cruel imagination was interrupted when the speaker went on.
"Attention all passengers, flight 374 from Portland to New York is ready for boarding."
"Finally." she sighed and grabbed her backpack. She walked up to the flight attendant, only to be cut of by Janet. She gave her a dirty look and handed the flight attendant her ticket and boarded the plane.

"Duck!" shouted Pohatu. He threw his pincers towards Tahu. The Toa of fire ducked right before they knocked down the Rahkshi that snuck up behind him. Tahu stood up and looked around. There were two other Rahkshi and Pohatu was battling them alone. He took his swords and charged at them. The Rahkshi of hunger noticed him from the corner of its eye and redirected his attention to the Toa of fire. As Tahu got close, he began to feel weaker. He grunted and fell on his knees exhausted. The black Rahkshi towered over him and it raised its staff over its head. Before it stuck the down Toa, a gust of wind blew it off its feet and sent it flying into a boulder that jutted out. Tahu turned around to see Lewa and Takanuva flying towards him.
As the Gukko bird landed, the Vorahk got back on its feet and made a loud screech. The sound scared the bird and it began to fly out of control. Takanuva tried to calm the Rahi, but without warning, the bird bucked him off its back. He yelped as he fell, landing on his face. He moaned for a moment before slowly getting back on his feet, spitting out a mouthful dirt on his way up. He staggered a bit and wiped the dirt off his mask.
"You messed with the wrong Toa." he grumbled. With staff drawn he shot a beam of light from its tip. The light paralyzed the suit of armor and the Kraata inside vaporized.
Lewa landed right behind him. "You're getting good at fighting Makuta-sons." he said with a smile.
Takanuva turned around. "Thanks, I- Lewa! Look out!" A Rahkshi of poison threw its staff at the Toa of air. Lewa took a step to the side, spinning part way in his attempt to dodge it. But he wasn't quick enough. The staff scraped the side of his body. He screamed and kneelt down in pain.
"Lewa!" Takanuva yelled. He aimed his staff at the green Rahkshi and fired a beam of light at it before running to Lewa's aid.
"I'm okay," He placed a hand over his wound. "Just a tiny-small scratch."
While Takanuva helped Lewa, Pohatu and Tahu took care of the last Rahkshi. The Guurahk stood between the two groups of Toa. Sensing an easy victory, Pohatu played around with a rock the size of his head before kicking it right at the Rahkshi. What he didn't expect was for the Rahkshi to dodge it. The boulder flew right past and headed straight for Lewa.
"Look out!" Lewa looked at him to see what it was, when the boulder hit him square in the face. The impact made a loud clank combined with an 'oof' from the Toa. He fell backwards and landed on the ground out cold.
Pohatu gave an uneasy look. "Sorry!"
Tahu summoned his element and shot a wall of flame from his swords at the surviving Rahkshi and burned the Kraata inside to a crisp. Seeing that all three Rahkshi were defeated, the two ran to their fallen brother.
"Lewa?" asked Takanuva. "Lewa!?" Pohatu and Tahu looked over him. His limbs were sprawled out and a golf ball-sized dent was present on his forehead. The Toa of stone rubbed the back of his head.
"Oh boy. I hope he doesn't remember this."

Out on the airfield, workers prepped incoming and out going airplanes. Over the loud noise of plane engines, no one noticed the swirling vortex forming on the side of a wall.
Brutaka's head came out and he paused with a stumped look as he took in what he was seeing. Airplanes of all sizes were taking off and landing. He smiled in excitement. He then turned his attention to the workers. Their organic appearance was revolting to him. But he found that the great different in appearance was an added bonus. After all, who would want to befriend such an ugly creature?
"The Matoran are in for a surprise." he said with glee. "Now who will be the lucky few?" He looked around at the different planes that were preparing to take off. After dismissing the ones that were too big or small, he singled out one and took note of its markings.
"It's perfect." But it was too early to abduct them, especially with so many people around. He would have to track its movements and take it at night. He pulled his head back to his side and the portal closed. So he wouldn't forget the markings, he wrote on a stone to his left with his blade: 374

"B.J. I presume?" The man asked. The pilot nodded "Captain Roswell." he smiled and then extended out his hand.
B.J. Shook his hand warmly and grinned. "Nice to meet you sir."
The captain was in his sixties, clean-shaven and stood proudly. "Is this your first time?"
The blond, younger pilot smirked. "Flying, no. Commercial airplane, yes." The two began to walk down the boarding gate.
"So then, what kind of experience do you have, son?"
"Well, I flew F-22's in Iraq." B.J. replied.
Roswell exchanged an impressed look on his face. "Raptors huh? I was a chopper pilot back in Vietnam." The two entered the cockpit and sat down. Roswell handed B.J. a list. "If you don't mind could you make sure all these systems are ready to go?"
B.J. took the list form his hands. "Yes sir."

Sarah scanned the rows for a decent seat. Slowly she paced herself down the isle.
"Can you move any slower?" Janet snapped behind her. She frowned, but tossed the insult aside. She soon found an empty row a few rows behind the wing. She put her backpack in the luggage compartment and sat down next to the window. She then watched the students pass by her.
"Mackenzie, over here." She placed her hand on the seat next to her. But Mackenzie didn't take the offer.
"Thanks Sarah, but I'm sitting next to Kyle."
"Oh... Okay." She looked down and turned her head to the window. Soon the plane was full. While two other band students sat next to her, the class only made up half of the passengers.
There were businessmen conversing on their cellphones, families and children chatting as well. After about fifteen minutes on board, the speaker went on.
"Alright passengers, welcome aboard flight 374. This is Captain Roswell with my copilot B.J. We will be engaged in a nonstop flight from Portland to New York City. We will be taking off in a few minutes and our flight should last for about six hours. While we get ready, the flight attendant will go over our safety procedures."
For the next few minutes the flight attendants showed everything from the life preservers, to oxygen mask and where to evacuate. Sarah listened very closely and made note of everything. She felt the plane being pushed backwards before making it to the runway.
She held on to her seat tightly and waited for the excitement to begin. The engines began to rev up. She saw the flaps on the back of the wings extend out and downwards. Then there was the sudden acceleration, pushing her into her seat. She looked out the window and saw the airport passing by as the plane built up speed. Then she felt the nose go up.
The land below got farther and farther away as the plane rose. Both the towering Cascade Range and the peaks of Adams, Hood, and St. Helens looked small and insignificant from her vantage point. She wondered how easy it would be to just jump out with a parachute and land on the summit of one of them. It would sure beat hiking. But she quickly dismissed it and pulled out a book to read.

"Lewa?" Pohatu asked nervously. When his brother didn't answer he grabbed his shoulders and shook him "Lewa?!" Lewa let out a moan and opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, only blobs of red, yellow and brown. Soon it cleared up and he saw the concern in Takanuva's and Tahu's face and the guilt in Pohatu's. The trio stood up and stepped back as Lewa sat up and rubbed his head.
"Uhg" he moaned. "What happened?"
"You blacked out after getting hit in the face with a rock. Sorry." Pohatu replied. Lewa rubbed his forehead and felt the indent.
"Uh, this isn't noticeable is it?" Tahu folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. The Toa of air let out a sigh.
"I was afraid-scared of that." Pohatu grabbed his hand and pulled his brother back on his feet.
"I'm sure Vakama can fix it." Takanuva then pointed at Lewa's side. "I'm not sure he can fix that."
Lewa looked down and saw a six-inch long gash running along his side.
"Don't worry, fire-spitter, it's just a scratch."
"Yeah, from a Lerahk!"
Tahu's face lit up with surprise, followed quickly by concern. "Brother, we should really take care of that."
Lewa walked past the Toa of fire with a smile. "I'm fine" But Tahu could tell that he was lying. Within a few steps Toa of air began to stumble in his walk. He then made an attempt to fly, but within seconds he fell to the ground. His brothers rushed to him. Lewa got on his hands and knees and moaned.
"Are you sure you're all right? You don't look so good." Takanuva said.
"Of course I'm all-" He began to feel light headed. Everything he saw began to spin around.
"Uhhh, on second though maybe you're right fire-spiter."
Tahu grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him up. He then wrapped his arm around his neck and supported him from underneath. "Lets get you to Ta-koro."
After several miles, Tahu stopped to rest, while Pohatu took his turn assisting Lewa. The Toa of air moaned as the poison spread throughout his body. He became very weak; his feet were at the point of being dragged on the ground. Soon they were deep within the Ta-wahi region. Tahu lead the way, taking them down a trail. A twig snapped from the distance and he froze. He raised his hand to signal his brothers to stop. They stood still and looked around. Expecting an attack, Tahu drew his swords and stood in a battle stance.
"Come out and face me!" The blades of his swords glowed a fiery red. Instead of a threat, a familiar figure came out from behind a dead tree.
"That's no way to treat your sister." she said as if proud to have snuck up on him.
"Gali," He lowered his blades. "What are you doing here?"
She folded her arms and leaned her head to the side. "I was going to ask you the same thing brother." she smiled.
He shrugged. "Just the usual." he grumbled.
"Tahu, only two things are usual for you: lava surfing and getting yourself into trouble."
Tahu squinted his eyes and clutched his fist. He felt as if she had expected what had happen to Lewa.
Gali then turned her attention to the Toa of air. His head was slumped downward and his whole body appeared limp.
"Mata Nui, what happened?" she asked and rushed to him. Lewa lifted his head and replied in a weak and tired voice.
"I got poisoned and hit-smacked in the face with a rock." He put his head back down and moaned.
"Oh dear," said Gali, "let me help." Before she could touch him the four Toa heard the distant screech of Rahkshi. Their unearthly sound echoed through the forest.
"This isn't the best place." said Tahu. Gali grabbed Lewa's other arm and put it around her neck.

As they walked the terrain soon changed from a dead, charred forest, to the rocky, volcanic landscape Tahu was familiar with. While the original Ta-koro was destroyed by Rahkshi, the Matoran managed to find a decent site to settle a few miles north. He led his team out of a narrow pass and stopped to see his village a few miles downhill. To his relief nothing had happened to it. He then looked over his shoulder.

"How is he?"
"He seems pretty good." replied Pohatu. "He certainly stopped moaning." Gali stopped in realization and stared at the Toa of air.
"Lewa?" she asked. All of the Toa then stared at him waiting for him to answer. There was no response. "Lewa?" Gali lifted his head up and found him un-conscience, and his eyes a sickly green color.
"We need to hurry!" she exclaimed. Tahu ran over and picked him up by the legs. Together they quickly hauled him to the village.

The band was energetic; singing the parts they played using only the word 'dah' in place of notes. Sarah couldn't help but join in. After a few songs the band died down and it became quiet, with the exception of the engines. Sarah was back to her book, and the student next to her noticed.
"What'cha read'n?" asked Ashley. Sarah broke her concentration from the book and looked at her.
"This? Oh, it's just Bear Gryles." she replied, while trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Who?"
"You know, from Man vs. Wild?"
"I think I've heard of him. What's the book about?"
"It's about surviving in the wild. It's good, but I have some problems with it."
"Like what?"
"It's that Bear Gryles has experience in the military. He has the ability to do these things. I'm just a high school teenager. I don't have any physical strength or abilities. If I tried to do some of the things he did I wouldn't survive."
"So then why do you have that book?"
"Because it was the only one I could find."
Janet spun around in her seat and put a finger to her lips. "Shhhh! I'm trying to sleep, so shut up!"
Sarah gave her a cold look. Janet then turned back around. Sarah didn't stop staring at her for another few seconds and then went back to reading her book.