Takua (Takanuva)'s POV

I smiled as Gali and I entered Ta-Koro. Many Matoran stopped to greet us, and we'd return the greeting before sending them on about their daily duties.

'I used to be like that...I was the chronicler, that was hard enough. Now I have even more to worry about.' I thought to myself. I quickly shook the thought away as Toa Tahu and Turaga Vakama aproached, Jaller walking beside them.

I grinned down at Jaller as they stopped before us, and he returned the smile.

"Toa Gali, I am pleased you could make the journey here on such short notice. You must be tired, you may rest if you wish." Turaga Vakama said to Gali. She smiled, "I will, later." She assured. Vakama inclined his head in understanding before turning to me.

"Takanuva, you should have told us that you were leaving the village."

I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Turaga Vakama. I just...needed some time to think, to...to breath."

Vakama nodded.

"I know it must be very hard for you to adjust to this new life, but next time please tell me, I was worried something may have happend."

I suddenly felt anger run through me.

"Something has happend, everyone has been treating me like some precious weapon rather than a living thing!" I suddenly yelled in anger before storming off.

I didn't look back, but heard the faint voice of Jaller say 'I'll talk with him'.

I continued on, the Matoran avoiding me. I kept going for a long time, but stopped when I reached the lava river.

No one was there, so I lay on my belly on the hot, dry ground. I folded my arms on the ground, then rested my chin on top. I was like that for awhile, just watching the lava.

I didn't even twitch when the sound of footsteps padded up to me. Out of the corner of my right eye, I saw Jaller sit cross legged next to me. He was quiet for a moment, deciding what to say.

"Hey Takua...You okay?"

"I guess." I muttered in reply a I looked at him. He frowned slightly, but tried to smile.

"They're just trying to help, you know."

"Yeah, I know. I just...I feel like I'm in a cage." I stood up, pacing along the edge of the lava.

"I...don't understand. Could you try and explain it?"

I sighed.

"Every day. Every. Single. Day. The moment I come out of my home, Tahu or Turaga Vakama is there, and stay with me the entire day. It's like they don't trust me! Or...Or like I'm some sort of item that has no way of protecting itself! I feel...I feel like I'm suffocating, Jaller. And ever since I became a Toa, everyone expects me to be fearless, to...to know what to do...! But truth is..."

I turned to Jaller.

"Truth is I'm terrified." I ended, voice helpless.

Jaller was looking at me with surprise when he saw I was crying.

"I-I am so scared, and even though they're right there...neither the Toa or Turaga seem to see i-it."

Jaller stood and walked up to me, patting the armor on my knee.

"There's no reason to be scared, Takua. I'm sure that Turaga Vakama and the Toa have noticed, maybe that's why Toa Tahu and Turaga Vakama have been stick so close to you."

"Maybe...but I'm almost positive that isn't the case." I replied as I sat back down, looking down at the ground with sadness.

Jaller took the chance of me being lower to pat my shoulder.

"C'mon Takua, I know you're stronger than this! Where's that spirit you've always had? The Takua I know wouldn't sit here and do nothing, besides, you're still the chronicler! Why are you sitting around here when there are so many stories out there, just waiting for you!"

I looked at him, then nodded, standing.

"You're right, Jaller. C'mon, let's get back, everyone's probably wondering where we are."

Later, 3rd POV

"He truely said that?" Gali asked, concerned as Jaller finished explaining what happened. Turaga Vakama was deep in thought while Tahu was getting over the initial shock over what the young Toa of Light had said.

Jaller nodded, looking down at the ground. Then Turaga Vakama spoke.

"Yes, I can see why Takanuva would be frustraited. I keep forgeting that he is very young, by both Toa and Matoran standards."

Gali glanced out the window at the village, looking at Takanuva's hut with concern. Noticing this, Tahu placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a small, comforting smile.

Jaller hesitantly spoke up.

"And...I think something else is bothering him."

The two Toa and Turaga looked at him in surprise. Jaller ducked his head, suddenly shy with the attention he was being given.

"But...I-I don't know what...I've known Taku-I mean T-toa Takanuva! Since we first came to Mata Nui. I know...I know somethings wrong." Jaller said, stumbling over his own words.

"I'm not sure if it's just he feels like no one truely cares or...or if it's something else."

Everyone was silent for a moment, then Turaga Vakama nodded.

"I will send word to the other Toa and Turaga, please, if you find out anymore of what is bothering Takanuva, tell us immediately." Turaga Vakama said, turning to Jaller, who nodded in agreement before leaving.

Turaga Vakama turned to Gali and Tahu, concern clearly showing.

"We will give Takanuva some time alone, perhaps we have been too protective of him."

Tahu nodded.

"Turaga Vakama, will you truely be summoning the other Toa and Turaga? Is it truely needed?" Gali asked. Vakama nodded.

"Yes. I believe Jaller is correct, something is deeply troubling Takanuva, and I believe it will take combined effort to learn what is worrying Takanuva."

Takua (Takanuva)'s POV

"Useless."

I flinched away from the tall Matoran that towered over my cowering form. He lifted one hand, showing a large, sharp piece of metal.

"N-n-no! P-please! I-I-I'll be g-good! I p-promise!" I whimpered desperatly as I pressed myself into the corner, wishing to just melt into the wall.

He ignored me, grabing my arm roughly, he tossed me into another wall. I cried out in pain as a crack echoed through the dark room. He stalked towards me, and I flipped onto my back, trying to crawl away from him.

He grabbed my mask, his palm covering one of my eyes and blinding me slightly.

He then stabbed the metal into my eye.

I screamed.

I sat up, fully awake and breathing heavily. I looked around fearfully, then remembered where I was. I looked down at myself.

I was drenched in sweat, making my golden armor slick, and I had tears still streaming from my eyes.

My breathing calmed slowly, and I raised a hand to touch my left eye as I remembered my nightmarish memory.

Of when I'd been blinded in my left eye.