Stroking Wotzit's head, Vakama thought about the strangeness of the vision, as Nixie sat nearby wondering if she should give Turaga Vakama a little privacy, before she could move though he'd smiled and asked her to get them all something to eat.
When Nixie left, Wotzit watched as Turaga Vakama slowly walked over to the windows and stood there watching the crystal orb for several minutes, "It too has dimmed." he thought as he returned to sit with Wotzit.
"A destiny has been changed." Vakama murmured under his breath, as Nixie returned with a tray containing four bowls, three with fruit, a large jug of water and two beakers, after they'd eaten, Turaga Vakama showed Nixie where she could rest then nodded, understanding why when she asked if they could go up to the observation platform.

xXx

Onewa was met at the main Po-metru chute station by Hafu, who handed him a note, "Rahaga Pouks asked me to give you this, Turaga." as they headed towards Onewa's home, Hafu told him that he'd explained to the others what Turaga Onewa had asked him to.
"And how did they take the news?" Onewa asked quietly, pausing to read the note, "Quietly and calmly, one or two were a bit concerned and are hoping to have a word with you." Hafu replied, watching Turaga Onewa put the note away before turning back towards the chute station.
"Let those who are worried know I will speak with them later. Pouks wants me to meet him." Onewa explained, as they headed into the station and went over to the chute he and the other Turaga had come back on earlier. "Right away, Turaga." Hafu replied as Onewa entered the chute, then hurried to reassure his friends.

Travelling back to where Pouks said he'd meet him, Onewa wondered how Vakama was doing, then smiled, "Nixie'll watch over him." Onewa thought, when he reached the remotest chute station and headed over to where Pouks waited.
"I'm glad you came, on our way to where the Kikanalo rest we suddenly felt like we were standing in the middle of a lightning storm, yet the sky was clear." Pouks explained, as they walked to where the Kikanalo stood watching their approach patiently, "When Norik, Gaaki and I reached them, the herd were milling around puzzled. It turned out they had also sensed the strange phenomena." Pouks added, as the Kikanalo chief crouched to let them mount, before he called to the herd and headed north.

...

The suns were nearly touching the horizon when the Kikanalo came to a halt near where Keetongu's cavern was, while Onewa thanked the Kikanalo, Pouks made his way towards the cavern,
the herd rumbled quietly as they settled and watched Turaga Onewa as he caught up with Pouks.
On entering the cavern Pouks called out softly to alert Keetongu that he had visitors, then waited until Keetongu replied.
"Have a seat." Keetongu rumbled, gesturing to the log seat before turning back to finish heaping moss into a pile, when he'd finished Keetongu sat beside Onewa and asked why things felt wrong, by the time Onewa had finished explaining, night had settled over Metru Nui, and Pouks had sorted out something to eat.

Settling down on his bed Keetongu quietly ate while he thought about the news Onewa had told him, then glanced at the Turaga and Rahaga as they finished eating then watched the small fire.
Raising himself up from his bed, Keetongu collected the bowls and went to put them away, returning several minutes later with a water canister, "Give this to Vakama, when the time comes he will know what to do." Keetongu commented handing it to Onewa, surprise the Turaga of Stone nodded, then placed it beside his staff.
Keetongu nodded, then settled back on his bed, as the fire burnt lower Pouks and Onewa settled, Keetongu softly muttered something in his own tongue and watched as they fell asleep.
Feeling extremely tired Keetongu curled up in the moss of his bed and drifted into sleep.

xXx

While Turaga Whenua talked quietly with Bomonga in his home, they were surprise to hear excited chatter followed by someone knocking on the door, "Turaga, I know it's late, but we think you should see this." Onepu said as he and Taipu caught their breath.
After the matoran had regained their breath, they took Whenua and Bomonga over to the archives, on entering they led them over to where the carving of Sherrie and Wotzit stood, while Taipu explained.
"I was just finishing putting some artefacts away, when a flash of light caught my attention. When I came through I saw this." Taipu gestured at the carving, moving closer to look Whenua murmured in amazement.

Hanging around 'Sherrie's' neck was the glass pendant she'd worn before her transformation, "What does it mean?" Onepu wondered, while Turaga Whenua asked Taipu to remove the pendant and pass it to him.
"I'm not too sure yet. When everyone returns I'll give it to Anuenue." Whenua commented then smiled at Taipu's and Onepu's grins of delight, leaving the archives everyone headed off to rest, the matoran chatting about what Whenua'd said, he quickly glanced up at the sky before stifling a sigh, as he and Bomonga entered his home.
"I'd better explain what's happening to them tomorrow." Whenua said quietly, as he and Bomonga settled down to rest, "A good idea, it might be a little easier." Bomonga murmured, watching his friend, as he brushed his hand over the lightstone, dimming it.

xXx

In Le-metru, Turaga Matau listened calmly, as Vira told him how the gukko birds were less raucous than normal, then he told Vira and Tamaru to get some rest and he'd explain in the morning.
Kopeke and Luhi greeted Turaga Nuju, then walked with him to his home, listening quietly as he told them what was happening, then asked them when morning came to ask the other Ko-matoran to assemble so that he could enlighten them.
"Yes, Turaga." Kopeke responded, brushing something from his eye, before bowing and following Luhi, "Come and rest, old friend." Kualus commented gently, as Nuju watched the matoran until they were out of sight.
Letting Kualus lead him into his home, Nuju couldn't help but wonder if he'd done the right thing or if he should have thought about it some more.

xXx

Reaching the station at Ga-metru, Nokama was met by Gaaki and Pelagia, who looked worried about something, "How did the dermis turtle count go?" she asked, surprise that they were waiting for her, Pelagia sighed, "There was no sign of them whatsoever, not even the tiny signs they leave when at ease."
Then she added sadly, "It was like they'd vanished completely." Gaaki patted Pelagia's shoulder comfortingly, "Get some rest, we'll look again later." she murmured reassuringly, Pelagia nodded, bowed to her and Nokama then headed to her home.
Neither Gaaki or Nokama spoke until they'd reached Nokama's home and after eating settled down to rest, "Is this another sign?" Gaaki whispered, glancing anxiously at Nokama "I fear it might be." her uneasy reply just reached Gaaki, as Nokama shivered.

xXx

Following Turaga Vakama up to the observation platform, Nixie found her hands were trembling and she felt nervous about what they would see, "Wotzit, stop trying to stand on me." she muttered softly as he nudged her gently, Vakama glanced over his shoulder as he switched to his Rau and smiled.
"He seeks to reassure you." Turaga Vakama commented, switching back to his Huna, as they reached the platform, for several minutes Nixie watched the eastern part of the sky, then murmured anxiously, "More of the fainter stars have vanished."
"Come and try to get some rest." Vakama replied gently, as they left the platform and returned to the ground floor, Wotzit close behind them, looking at Nixie's pale mask, Vakama insisted that she share the Turagas' sleeping quarters, then watched her until she fell asleep, Wotzit curled close beside her.

xXx

As night passed on Metru Nui, the Turaga and Rahaga rested as best they could and eventually managed to get some sleep.
Deep in the former Dark Hunters prison, Makuta's spirit sensed that his Brother's spirit was weakening and though unable to move from where he was, smiled maliciously.
Then concentrated on the one tenuous link he still had with the outside, several minutes later his contact awoke with a start and listened to what Makuta wanted him to do.
When he'd finished, Makuta chuckled silently and waited to see what would happen, "This'll be interesting." the malevolent spirit thought, watching as the light sparks of his prison gave a slight flicker.

xXx

The sound of urgent knocking roused Vakama from a troubled dream and he was joined by Wotzit as he headed towards the main entrance of the tower.
"Oh Turaga! Can you come to Po-metru? Someone has spread a rumour that the Toa have vanished forever and that when the suns fail, the Turaga will desert the matoran, leaving them to die!" Hafu gasped, his lungs heaving as he leaned against the door frame
"Is it just Po-metru?" Turaga Vakama asked, while he aided Hafu over to a seat, Wotzit looked puzzled then wandered outside, "Travelling through the chute it didn't look like the panic had spread. But last night Turaga Onewa went to find out why Rahaga Pouks wanted to see him and hasn't returned yet." Hafu explained, as his breathing slowed to normal and Nixie joined them.

When Hafu recovered, they left the coliseum and made their way to the chute station, meeting Turaga Nuju, Nokama and Rahaga Kualus on the way.
Listening as Vakama told them what was happening in Po-metru, Nuju muttered angrily, surprising all with his comments, "I hope it doesn't come to that, brother." Nokama murmured quietly, then nodded as Vakama added, "This time he's gone too far."
"Those infected kolhii balls were a prank compared to this." Nokama replied coldly, drawing a startled whistle from Nuju, "Will you and Nixie keep an eye on Wotzit and explain what is happening to our brothers when they come?" Vakama asked Hafu, as they reached the chute station, "Of course, Turaga." both matoran replied, bowing.

xXx

Standing on the bench where he'd shouted out what he'd been instructed to tell the other Po-matoran, Ahkmou chuckled as they murmured anxiously, then several began to panic which started to spread.
"Then why did Hafu tell us the Toa would return?" someone cried out, but this question was drowned by the growing commotion as the matoran jostled and pushed each other as the fear spread, several fell and were unable to get up.
Suddenly one of those who were trying to help the fallen, glanced up and pointed, it was too noisy to speak, but his gesture was noticed by the nearest matoran who looked to where the first was gesturing.

Slowly more and more matoran turned to where the first was pointing and the noise died away, Ahkmou was left in clear sight of the arriving Turaga.
"Help the injured!" Vakama instructed, switching back to his Huna as he reached the ground, along with Nuju, Nokama and Kualus, before turning to where Ahkmou still stood on the bench, glaring defiantly at them.
"Come to lie to us, Turaga." he snapped, as they reached and stood around him forming a square, Vakama shook his head, "No Ahkmou, we may have kept things from the matoran, but we have never lied."
"We will wait for Onewa to return before telling you what is happening." Nokama's voice rang out over the square, reassuring the rest of the Po-matoran, who began aiding their hurt friends, when Ahkmou made a bid for freedom, Nuju activated his Matatu, suspending Ahkmou in mid-air.

xXx

Onewa woke to find Keetongu watching him, while Pouks was hurriedly packing some dried fruit in a bag, "Trouble in Po-metru." Keetongu commented when they left his cavern and greeted the Kikanalo herd.
"Thank you for this, I'll make sure Vakama receives it." Onewa replied, holding up the canister, after Keetongu had lifted both him and Pouks onto the chief's back then nodded.
The journey back to the remote chute station was quiet, until Onewa asked how Keetongu knew about what was occurring in the built up area of Po-metru, "We had an early morning visit from Wanimua, he saw what was happening as he flew from Ga-metru." Pouks replied as the herd reached the chute station and the chief let them dismount, "Thank you and take care." Pouks and Onewa said as the herd moved away and the Kikanalo chief rumbled softly.

xXx

Exiting the chute, they were met by Turaga Dume who swiftly explained what had occurred, "This is madness, we'd never leave them willingly." Onewa replied, shocked and angered by Ahkmou's actions.
On reaching the main square of Po-metru, Turaga Onewa carefully checked the matoran hurt by the crush before turning to where Nuju stood concentrating on keeping Ahkmou in mid-air
Joining his icy brother, Onewa then faced the assembled worried matoran, who were murmuring anxiously, "We didn't say anything yesterday, as we were hoping what we'd seen was our eyes playing tricks on us." Turaga Onewa said quietly, as the matoran hushed to hear him speak, then he explained what was happening and why.

By the time Onewa had finished speaking it was nearly midday and he, Vakama, Nokama, Nuju, Kualus and Pouks had been joined by the rest of the Turaga and Hafu, who glared at Ahkmou before going to see how his friends had faired in the turmoil.
The rest of the Po-matoran quietly talked amongst themselves, many flushing angrily at how easily Ahkmou had goaded them, hearing the angry murmurs, Turaga Dume climbed onto the bench Ahkmou had used and raised his staff to catch their attention.
"We understand how angry you all are, and so you don't stoop to his level, we will take Ahkmou with us." the matoran glanced at each other, then Tirari stepped forward, "What will happen then, Turaga?" he asked, rubbing his splinted arm.

"We will make sure that he's unable to cause-make any-more hurt-harm" Matau said, switching to his Matatu so that Nuju could have a break, Ahkmou tried to say something derisive, but Onewa activated his Komau and got Ahkmou to stay quiet.
Then the matoran after discussing what the Turaga had explained, bowed to them before helping their friends to their homes to rest.
Hafu returned with Tanami and Olcas and listened as Turaga Onewa asked if he, Tanami and Olcas would keep everyone calm, "It'll take a day or so for things to settle." he commented drily as they agreed.
Then when Hafu, Tanami and Olcas bowed and departed to do what he'd asked, Onewa turned his attention to Ahkmou with an expression more fitting to Nuju at his angriest on his mask.

"So how do we get him to the coliseum?" Whenua mused, then glanced at Kualus and Pouks as they chuckled drily, "We'll get him there." Kualus commented, catching hold of Ahkmou's left arm, as Matau lowered him to the ground, and held tight, while Pouks took his right.
Matau switched back to his Mahiki as the Rahaga then headed towards the coliseum, Ahkmou hanging between them, when they were out of sight, Turaga Onewa sat heavily on the bench and sighed as his anger drained away. Silently the others gathered to reassure him.

"You'd better stay here for a while, brother. We'll see to Ahkmou." Vakama said after several minutes passed, Onewa nodded, as Whenua, Nuju and Matau tapped fists with him, then started back to the coliseum, "I'll join you later." Onewa quietly replied before heading in the direction Hafu and Olcas had taken.

Dume, Vakama and Nokama watched Onewa until he was out of sight, then returned to the chute station and took the chute to the coliseum.
Walking through the main square, Onewa paused and carefully picked up the remains of a delicately carved butterfly then glanced up as Rahal re-entered the square, "Who carved this?" Turaga Onewa asked as Rahal joined him and they went to check on the injured matoran.
"Kela'd been asking if I'd show her how to carve," Rahal mumbled, turning crimson, "It was her first good piece too." he added, gently wrapping the pieces in a bit of torn flag.
"I'd like to meet your talented friend." Onewa commented, tactfully inspecting the damage caused by the panic and ignoring Rahal's embarrassment, Rahal nodded and led Turaga Onewa to where he lived and a couple of his friends had taken Kela to rest.