"Turaga, can we help?" a voice broke the silence, causing the Rahaga and Dume to jump in shock, glancing towards the main chamber, they saw that Suna, Nireta, Kai and Akara were standing there looking anxiously at everyone.
"Yes, help us move everyone into the main chamber please." he replied, as they came to join them, the matoran nodded before helping the Rahaga shift the Turaga and rest them down near the Suva, then do the same with their friends.
Before he joined them,Turaga Dume entered the ruined room, Wotzit beside him watching curiously as Dume used his staff to prod what had been Ahkmou's mask.
Though he didn't tap his staff against the mask very hard, it crumbled to dust before their eyes, Dume shook his head sadly then glanced at Wotzit when he sniffed at the dust and sneezed.
"Come on Wotzit, let's see how the others are." he murmured as he left the room and returned to the main chamber, Wotzit close beside him.
Suna glanced up as she helped Turaga Nuju have a drink, while the Rahaga and matoran assisted the others who were starting to regain consciousness, "That was amazing." Nokama whispered, as Nireta helped her to stand up and over to Turaga Dume.
Several minutes later everyone had woken and quietly talked amongst themselves for a short while, when they felt strong enough the Turaga and matoran started up the stairs with everyone else watching them carefully.
On leaving the Great Temple they all paused to watch the dimmed suns before slowly making their way across the causeway, "Turaga, we thought you might need-like a lift-ride to the other metru." Vira called out, as they reached the park to find several gukko birds and their riders waiting there.
Turaga Dume smiled, as everyone quietly sat on the benches and the Ga-matoran who'd joined the gukko riders, passed the Turaga, Rahaga and their friends some fruit and water canisters.
It was nearly midday when the Turaga, Nixie and her friends felt strong enough to travel with the gukko riders to their respective metru.
"We'll give you a lift-ride to the Ga-metru main square." Lomako commented to Turaga Nokama, as most of the gukko flew off with the Rahaga along side, the gukko birds staying quiet, not engaging in their usual antics.
"Thank you, that is most kind, but I think we should walk part of the way." Nokama replied, smiling as she watched the Ga-matoran, as they whispered, anxiously peering up at the sky, Lomako bowed, then with Aikel flying overhead everyone made their way to the main square.
By the time they reached there, all the matoran who lived near that area of Ga-metru had quietly joined Turaga Nokama and the others as they talked amongst themselves.
xXx
Kela woke suddenly and glanced around at Kaike, then looked for Rahal, the blankets he'd used were lying folded up nearby but there was no sign of him.
Shifting slightly so that she could peer out the window, Kela saw that Rahal was outside talking with Tanami as Pewku waited nearby. "Morning sister, how are you feeling?" Kaike murmured as she stretched, rubbing her eyes, before hugging Kela.
"Still a bit sore, but much better than yesterday." she replied, as Rahal re-entered the bedroom, "Thought you were going to sleep all morning." he commented, giving Kela a hug then explained that it was late morning.
"But it's so dim." Kaike whispered shocked, while she helped Rahal to carefully lift Keli and carry her out to where Pewku waited, Rahal nodded understanding what Kela and Kaike were thinking.
When Kela was comfortable, Kaike sat beside her and Pewku headed towards the main square with Rahal walking along side.
As they reached the main square, two gukko birds and Pouks landed nearby and Turaga Onewa and Hafu dismounted then thanked the gukko rider for the lift, "See you later, Kaike." Vira's fellow rider, Tahchi called to her, while Turaga Onewa quietly began talking with the nearest matoran
Kela stifled a giggle as her sister blushed, then hugged her, "I wonder what they've done with Ahkmou?" Rahal commented, as everyone began making their way towards the main causeway to the coliseum.
Though those who weren't injured could have taken the chute, everyone walked with Turaga Onewa, Pouks and those in carts pulled by ussal crabs.
xXx
All over Metru Nui the matoran followed their Turaga and the Rahaga, heading for the coliseum Pouks murmured something to Onewa who nodded then watched as Pouks headed in the direction that Keetongu's cavern lay.
Racing through the twilight like sky, Pouks hoped that his old friend was alright, landing close to where Keetongu's cavern was, Pouks saw the Kikanalo herd nearby, all were watching the sky and dimmed suns.
The Kikanalo chief glanced at Pouks, rumbled softly then went back to watching the suns, heading to the cavern Pouks found Wanimua standing at the entrance, his feathers fluffed up like he was cold, on reaching him Pouks gently brushed his hand over Wanimua'' back, "Is Keetongu alright?"
Wanimua chirped once then entered the cavern, Pouks beside him, inside he found an enormous pile of moss heaped in the farthest corner of the cavern.
Silently Pouks approached, while Wanimua stayed where he was and watched, pausing to listen Pouks heard deep slow breathing coming from the centre of the moss, then returned to Wanimua's side.
Both left their hibernating friend in peace, "Do you want to come to the coliseum with me?" Pouks quietly asked when they paused to glanced back at the cavern, in response Wanimua spread his wings and flew around Pouks several times.
As the position of the suns showed it was early afternoon, they silently headed back over Po-metru towards the coliseum.
xXx
The first to arrive at the coliseum were the Onu- and Ko-matoran, they quietly talked amongst themselves while their Turaga and the Rahaga entered the tower.
Next to arrive were those of Ga- and Le-metru, they joined their friends as Turaga Nokama and Matau went to speak with their brothers, Gaaki and Iruini waited for Norik and Pouks, the Ta-matoran, Turaga Dume, Vakama and Norik arrived shortly after.
The suns were showing it was mid-afternoon, though the light was more like late evening when the Po-matoran finally arrived, while Turaga Onewa told Gaaki, Iruini and Norik where Pouks was, the matoran went to help their injured friends out of the carts and over to the seats.
Kela was gently eased from Pewku'' back as she'd tried to dismount unaided and jarred her leg, Pewku watched anxiously until Lakino gave Kela a painkilling draught.
...
As the afternoon turned to evening and the matoran shared out the food they'd brought with them, they were joined by the Turaga, no-one spoke as they couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't sound ridiculous.
Just before the last of the dimmed light vanished, Pouks and Wanimua arrived and joined the Rahaga, then every matoran pulled out a lightstone, making the kolhii arena look like it was ablaze with stars.
"Thank you all for coming," Turaga Dume solemnly said, when he and the other Turaga left the tower and moved to stand in the middle of the arena while the Rahaga joined the matoran, then Vakama moved to stand beside his elder brother.
"Three days ago I had a vision, a part of what I saw has happened today." Turaga Vakama quietly informed the assembled matoran.
A quiet murmur spread around the kolhii arena, then a voice called out softly, May we hear the rest of your vision, Turaga?" Vakama nodded.
As the light from the lightstones illuminated the arena, he explained the rest. Once he'd finished speaking, he and the other Turaga went to sit with the matoran
Kapura and Tamaru passed the Turaga some fruit when they'd settled and after thanking them, the Turaga listened to the matoran wondering about when the rest of Turaga Vakama's vision would come to pass.
"That was a good idea to tell them." Gaaki whispered, as the few remaining stars struggled to shine, "I would have told them anyway." Vakama softly replied, as Nixie came to sit beside Turaga Nokama.
The matoran were still quietly talking about Turaga Vakama's vision, as those injured were made comfortable and some others settled as best they could.
Stifling a yawn as she tried to stay awake, Kaike shifted closer to Kela and hugged her gently as she fell asleep, Rahal winked at Kela and placed a spare blanket over Kaike.
Several Ko-matoran wandered over to speak with Nixie about what she and Suna had observed and were so engrossed about the notes they'd taken last night, that they didn't realize that nearly everyone including most of the Turaga were sleeping.
It was only when Turaga Nuju tapped Nixie's arm and gestured at the arena where sleeping matoran rested that they apologized and went to rest, Nuju gently patted Nixie's arm as she put the notes away, then hugged her.
...
Everyone was deeply asleep, when for the briefest of moments all the stars vanished, in his prison Makuta's dark spirit laughed victoriously, then his laughter cut off as the light sparks in the protodermis began to glow with a feeble light that slowly grew stronger.
A while later Nixie turned over in her sleep and fell off the arena seat, nearly landing on Wotzit who looked at her puzzled, gazing up into the sky, still half asleep, Nixie giggled, "All the stars are shining."
Roused by the noise of Nixie falling, Whenua stirred and was about to help her up when he heard her comment, slowly hardly daring to breath, Whenua looked up and saw a sky ablaze with stars, as the northern lights flickered and danced.
Standing there Whenua felt a hand take hold of his and took his eyes from the sky to glance at Nixie's awed mask as she stood beside him.
For a few moments neither spoke, then Whenua took a deep breath, "THE TOA HAVE DONE IT!" he cried out, too relieved to show the decorum he and the other Turaga normally kept.
The joyous shout reverberated around the kolhii arena startling everyone awake, Matau looked at Whenua as he and Nixie gazed joyfully at the star filled night, then grinned as he hugged Nokama, cries of delight filled the arena as the matoran realized what had occurred
Turaga Nuju brushed a stray tear away, as Wotzit who'd started racing around delighted by all the excitement came and sat beside him.
Gently nudging his cold friend, Wotzit glanced up at Nuju then around at the others, as everyone hugged relieved, from what he could understand his tall friends had done something extremely good.
"Let us try and rest for what's left of the night." Turaga Dume called out smiling, as the matoran chatted joyfully, slowly they quietened down, then several Ga-matoran started singing a song of praise to the Great Spirit.
Gradually everyone joined in and the song reverberate around the coliseum then slowly faded away as they settled down to rest.
"I won't be surprise if the Le-matoran have begun plans for the biggest party in Metru Nui." Nokama whispered softly, glancing at Matau, he grinned, "I'll try and make them wait-hold until the Toa return." he replied leaning back against the seat.
Everyone was sound asleep soon after they'd settled again, so no-one saw the crystal orb slowly growing brighter.
As dawn approached, Wanimua stirred and preened as he looked around from his perch above the arena entrance, a flicker of movement caught his eye and he watched as the butterfly flock came into view.
Wanimua chirped softly as they reached and fluttered around him before landing on the sculpture the crystal orb rested on.
When the suns light touched the tower, Wanimua began singing, while the butterflies wings started glowing and shifting colour, slowly everyone began to stir, then Wanimua still singing, fluttered down to where the Turaga were.
While they gathered their thoughts, the Turaga watched the butterfly flock when it took off from the sculpture and fluttered over to alight on the matoran who were sorting out something for everyone to eat.
"Are we returning to our metru, Turaga Onewa?" Hafu enquired as he, Suna and Kopeke brought some fruit over, several butterflies following them, "Yes, when everyone's ready, we will." he replied, then chuckled as Wanimua tweaked Wotzit's tail, as Wotzit sniffed at him curiously, the two of them then played for a while.
By the time everyone had fully awoken and made ready to return to their metru, the suns were well risen and after the dimmed light of the previous day, seemed to be brighter than ever.
"Was Keetongu alright when you arrive-got there?" Matau asked Pouks, as the matoran began making their way out the arena, chatting eagerly about when the Toa would return.
"He'd gone into hibernation, I'll return to see if he's alright later." Pouks quietly replied, glancing towards Po-metru, overhearing him Norik and Bomonga joined them, "We'll come with you." Norik added as they walked beside the Turaga and matoran in carts.
Pewku was chirping happily with Kela sitting on her back, while Rahal listened to Kela telling him what she wanted to carve next, "You'll have to do it at home." Kaike laughed, then ducked the fruit stone Kela lobbed at he. Giggling, Kaike glanced back at the Turaga, as they watched the matoran, while Norik, Bomonga and Pouks headed off towards Po-metru.
Turaga Vakama was talking with Kapura about him and his friends uniting to become the matoran Nui when Vakama suddenly turned back to gaze at the crystal orb.
Kapura quickly alerted the other Turaga, then watched over Vakama until they'd told the matoran to return to the metru before returning to watch their brother.
Several minutes later, Vakama blinked then smiled, "We should return to the seaway tunnel." he said as Nixie, Onepu, Hafu, Kopeke and Tamaru rejoined them, curious as to why Kapura had stayed behind.
When Turaga Vakama explained what he wanted them to do, they grinned, bowed and hurried off to get prepared, "What about Wotzit?" Nuju whistled an enquiry, watching him and Wanimua chasing each other around the arena.
"We know that Anuenue's with Kokua, so I'll get him to wait here as a surprise for her." Onewa chuckled, as Wanimua soared into the air while Wotzit barked excitedly.
Suddenly Wotzit stopped barking as his tail drooped and whining he sat down looking towards the north, puzzled Nokama was about to activate her Rau and ask what was amiss, when Wotzit lifted his nose to the sky then howled for several minutes before going over to Nokama and leaning against her.
As she tried to get Wotzit to tell her what was wrong, Onewa 'asked' Wanimua if he'd keep Wotzit company until someone came from Ga-metru, the pheasant rahi nodded and perched on the wall between the seating and arena.
"Wotzit is distressed because his 'pack leader' is distraught and he can't comfort her." Nokama quietly explained as the Turaga left the coliseum.
Meeting the returning matoran and Rahaga, Dume told them what Vakama had seen, then everyone agreed to meet back at the arena tomorrow, Kai went to get Wotzit and Wanimua when Nixie and the others went to let her and their friends know.
Waiting for Nixie and her friends to rejoin them, the Turaga watched the butterfly flock slowly making its way to Ga-metru.
"We've got the biggest tents we could seek-find." Tamaru called out as he and the others returned carrying four large bags, several smaller ones and water canisters, "Well done everyone, now let's head for Po-metru." Onewa smiled while the others entered the chute station.
Travelling through the chute Matau tapped Nuju's shoulder then nodded towards Tamaru, a grin briefly crossed Nuju's mask as they watched Tamaru, eyes closed, being guided by Kopeke and Hafu.
xXx
Reaching the main station at Po-metru, the Turaga paused as that Tamaru could regain his balance, then several minutes later everyone entered the chute to the remotest chute station.
When they left the chute station Nokama checked Tamaru, who looked pale, as they walked towards the seaway tunnel, then gave him some berries to chew.
"We'll prepare a fire then set up the tents." Kopeke murmured, drawing nods from Kapura and the others as the seaway tunnel entrance came into view.
Watching the matoran as they busied themselves finding wood for a fire, while Hafu, Kopeke and Kapura started preparing the tents, the Turaga went and glanced down the tunnel, then as they returned to the rapidly growing bonfire, brought some dried moss from the trees nearby.
By late afternoon the bonfire was finished and the matoran were having a quick rest and chatting with the Turaga about what had occurred in the Great Temple, they then started erecting the tents, while putting up the third of them up, Tamaru started tickling Nixie, causing her to topple into the canvas, knocking that tent over.
Nuju and Dume were hard pressed not to burst out laughing as Nixie chased Tamaru, a length of rope in her hands, several minutes later she returned giggling, while Tamaru started singing a cheeky ditty at the top of his lungs from the tree he was now tied to.
"I'll let him go-loose soon." Matau sniggered, as they regained their breath, "Those berries worked too well." Nokama chuckled as they moved to where the bonfire was.
Dume and Vakama carefully touched their staffs to the dried moss and lit the bonfire as the matoran finished erecting the third tent and started on the fourth.
"Thanks, Turaga." Tamaru grinned as Matau untied him and they returned to the camp-sit, then Tamaru went to help finish putting the last tent up, "Vakama, Keetongu asked me to give this to you. He said you'd know when to use it." Onewa said as he sat beside Vakama and Whenua, he took out the canister and passed it to Vakama.
Carefully Vakama removed the lid, peered at the contents and replaced it before putting the canister away, nodding he put the canister away, then glanced over to the seaway tunnel entrance.
Following his gaze, everyone heard distant voices slowly coming closer, as the matoran carried on with the tent, curious and eager to see who it was, the Turaga stood up and watched the tunnel entrance.
For several minutes the voices paused, then Lewa and Pohatu walked out and turned to encourage those still hidden from the Turagas sight, slowly a large group of dull coloured matoran and a strange Rahi with Jaller and the others came into view.
Behind them were Gali, Onua, Kopaka and Tahu all talking with six new Toa, "Toa Voya, of course." Kopaka replied to the dull white Toa walking beside him, as they and the matoran gathered around the bonfire quietly watching the Turaga curiously.
"I'll go and see why everyone else is waiting at the entrance." Nokama murmured, as she glanced at the new Toa and matoran, who had started lending Nixie and the others a hand with the food, Turaga Dume nodded, before he and their brothers went to speak with both groups of Toa.
"It's good to be back, Turaga Nokama." Amaya murmured as she and Takanuva bowed to her, then Amaya glanced back to smile at those still standing in the tunnel entrance.
Slowly Turaga Anuenue and Kokua came forward with a tall red and silver being carrying Aikane's sleeping form.
To Nokama'' surprise, Anuenue had no robe, was wearing a Mahiki and looked pale and sad, while Kokua now had a pair of shimmering pale blue wings, "Welcome back, sister." Nokama gently whispered, hugging Anuenue while glancing at Kokua's wings again, she then led them over to the nearest tent.
"You can rest Aikane down here." Nokama gestured to one of the piles of blankets and watched as Axonn then carefully covered Aikane with a blanket.
"I'll look after Anuenue." Nokama then firmly said, gesturing that everyone else should leave, "Kokua please ask Vakama to join us." she added as they left, Kokua glanced at Anuenue, then nodded following Takanuva.
Turning back to where Anuenue stood, silently watching Aikane, Nokama gently helped Anuenue to get comfy on the blankets nearest Aikane.
"Sister what is wrong?" Nokama asked softly as she watched Anuenue settle, a sob escaped Anuenue and tears began to run down her mask, "Sister, I... My destiny has changed. I can't go back to where I came from."
Nokama then listened as Anuenue told her what she had seen, when she paused for breath Nokama hugged her tightly, "Then when I thought things couldn't get worse... Aikane died!" Anuenue was now crying so much she was unable to continue speaking.
While Takanuva, Amaya and Axonn joined the Toa, Nixie, Kapura and Tamaru were chatting with Hahli and Macku, while Malie fed Makeo, listening intrigued.
"Turaga Vakama, Nokama wants you to join her and Anuenue." Kokua softly murmured, as he and the other Turaga sat beside the Toa, Vakama nodded, invited Kokua to have his seat then headed over to the tent.
On the way Vakama took the canister out, then entered the tent, Anuenue was still crying as Nokama gently hugged her, placing the canister down Vakama hugged his distraught sister before handing her the canister.
"This will help, sister." he murmured gently, fighting her tears, Anuenue managed to drink most of the strong sleeping draught, then Vakama took the canister while Anuenue lay back as the draught took effect.
