Ta-Koro, 3rd POV
Takua walked slowly through the village of Ta-Koro, having a hard time staying awake.
After the nightmare, the Toa had found himself unable to sleep. He had tripped over two Matoran already, and stumbled, running into the outside of a hut at one point as well.
"Brother!"
Takua stopped abruptly, glancing over his shoulder with his good eye. Tahu came sprinting up, and Takua turned to fully face the fire Toa, forcing a smile onto his mask.
"Toa Ta-...I mean, brother. Good morning, do you need something?" Takua asked as he and Tahu walked together.
"No brother, I actually wanted to ask you to forgive me."
Takua stared at Tahu incredulously.
"For how I've been staying so close to you. Jaller explained to us what you said yesterday." Tahu clarrafied, and realization flashed across Takua's mask. The golden Toa then held up his hands, waving them franticly.
"No! There's no need to be sorry! I was the one at fault, for yelling at Turaga Vakama and running off like that...If anyone should apologize, then it should be me." Takua said as he smiled at a group of passing Matoran.
As the two Toa continued, they spoke of more casual things. Lava boarding, Kaholi, even the other Toa and Turaga. But when they entered Turaga Vakama's hut, they stopped abruptly, staring in surprise.
An old map of Metru Nui sat on the table, Turaga Vakama running a hand over it and speaking quietly with Gali. Toa Kopaka and Turaga Nuju were there as well.
Takua felt his heart jump into his throat as he saw the map of the lost land. Memories that were unwelcome sprang into his mind, and he quickly adverted his gaze, looking out the window intently.
Turaga Vakama and Nuju, Tahu, Kopaka and Gali all noticed this, and shared a glance.
"Tahu, Takanuva, good morning. I trust you both rested well?" Turaga Vakama said, offering both Toa a calm smile. Tahu nodded, returning the greeting, while Takua simply gave a hesitant smile, and gave a murmured greeting to Turaga Nuju and Kopaka. Both gave their own form of greeting.
Takua then silently went to sit by the window, and avoided looking at the map of Mertu Nui. Turaga Vakama cleared his throat, ending the silence by speaking.
"The other Toa and Turaga should be here shortly, so until then, it may be wise to rest, Toa Kopaka, Nuju."
Both refused, continuing to watch Takua carefully, being notified of the situation.
Everyone jumped when a laughing Pohatu came into the large hut.
"Brothers! Sister!" He exclaimed. Everyone, excluding Kopaka, smiled at their boisterous brother. The Toa of stone bumped fists first with Tahu, then Gali and Kopaka. When he turned to Takua, he slapped him on the back while happily talking.
"Brother! How are you taking to the life of a Toa?" He asked. Takua smiled, coughing from the firm slap on his back, he nodded.
"I-I'm adjusting. How've you been Toa Po-I mean, brother."
Everyone chuckled at Takua's near mistake, and Pohatu bumped fists with Takua.
Everyone noticed Lewa as he came up on Takua's left, all but Takua.
"Brothers! Sister!"
Everyone jumped as Takua screamed in surprise and fright, falling backwards and nearly hitting the ground, if not for Pohatu quickly grabbing the chair and setting it back upright.
"Brother? Are you alright?" Gali asked, concern showing clearly.
Takua forced his breath to slow back to normal, gulping nervously.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine." Takua replied quietly, inclining his head in thanks to Pohatu.
Turaga Vakama moved forward, placing a hand on Takua's knee and gaining the Toa's attention.
"Toa Takanuva, what is wrong?"
Takua shook his head.
"Nothings wrong, Turaga Vakama."
"You should have been able to easily see Toa Lewa, yet you didn't." Vakama reminded, and Takua flinched.
"I wasn't paying attention, that's all. Sorry, Turaga Vakama."
The Toa and Turaga all exchanged looks, but let it drop.
"Toa Onua should be joining us soon, perhaps it would be wise to begin without him." Turaga Vakama finally said, turning and walking back over to the map of old Metru Nui.
Takua was relieved when all eyes turned away from him, allowing himself to once again relax (once he moved the chair so no one could come up on his left unnoticed, that is).
The morning went on, returning to normal as the Toa gave reports concerning their villiges. Since Takua lived in Ta-koro, he simply had to listen, though his mind was only half there. Part of him mind was wandering through the shadows that stained the name of Metru Nui to him.
Blood stained the walls and floor, a small child Matoran cowered in the corner.
Sobbing tears of blood.
A piece of metal protruded from his left eye, blood drenched the hand that desperately tugged at the metal.
A short scream tore the Matoran's throat as he finally disloged the metal, more blood pooled on the floor below him.
Pain.
Sorrow.
FEAR.
"Brother...? Brother...! TAKANUVA!"
Takua's head shot up to look at who was speaking. It was Tahu. Looking around, Takua saw all of the Turaga and Toa looking at him with confusion and slight worry.
"Sorry, I was just thinking." Takua murmured, turning his head to once again look outside of the large hut.
"What were you dream-thinking about?" Lewa asked, going to stand next to Takua.
The gold Toa shrugged.
"Nothing to be concerned about, brother."
Later, Takua(Takanuva)'s POV
I stretched as I exited Turaga Vakama's hut, breathing in the mid-day air happily.
I'd been allowed to leave early, seeing as I had nothing to add to the meeting. Turaga Vakama had been amused when I'd jumped up and quickly left with a short goodbye.
"Takua!"
I blinked, looking to my right. I smiled when I saw Jaller running up, grinning. I kneeled down (to think I'd once been the same height as him!).
"Jaller, what's up?" I asked, returning his smile.
"Me and some of the others are gonna play a match of Kaholi! Wanna join?"
"Ha, you know it!" I replied, standing and following after him as he ran off.
When we reached the feild, a few Ta-matoran were already there, joking around and practicing a bit. They all stopped when Jaller and I arived, all of them greeting us. Returning the greeting, we began a game of kaholi.
It was difficult, since I was now taller and had to be careful to not trip over anyone, but it helped a bit too.
I don't know how long we played, but it was around sunset when I heard the voices of the Turaga and Toa approaching. I stopped, looking over. I then yelped when the others, Jaller included jumped onto me, taking me to the ground.
I laughed uncontrolibly as we rolled around, wrestling.
"N-No fair! I-It's si-six against o-one!" I managed out through my laughter.
I heard the Toa and Turaga chuckling, and saw them standing at the edge of the feild. I managed to stand (With two Matoran on my right arm, one on the other, one on each leg and Jaller on my back, clinging to my head).
"Uh...A little help?" I asked sheepishly, lifting my arms as indication.
"Oh no, brother, this is all you." Pohatu joked, watching as I gently shook my arm, shaking on of the Matoran off. I scowled at him before using my free left arm to tug off the two Matoran on my right.
But then it happend.
The Matoran on my right leg accidently pushed a hand against an old, hidden scar.
I gasped in pain, stumbling a bit. Kopaka quickly moved, gripping my shoulder and steadying me. The others hurried forward, concern showing clearly.
"Brother? What happend?" Gali asked, gesturing for the remaining clinger-ons to move. I picked Jaller off and set him on the ground.
"Nothing! Just an old injury acting up. I got it a long time ago when I was...lavaboarding!" I said, mentally kicking myself for the lame excuse.
Gali looked unconvinced, but let it be. Turaga Nokama examined my leg, then nodded, gently running a finger below the long, barely visable scar. I flinched, but hid it.
"Toa Takanuva, would it be alright if Toa Kopaka rests in your hut?" Turaga Vakama asked. I tilted my head, curious as to why a spare hut wasn't available, but nodded.
"Of course, that's fine with me." I replied, smiling at Kopaka before gesturing for him to follow. With final goodnights, Kopaka and I headed to my hut.
"Go ahead and take the bed." I said to him, offering a smile before grabbing a few spare blankets.
Kopaka nodded, giving a murmured thanks before laying down.
I went around the room, blowing out most of the candles that lit the room. I left three of the lit, using the dim light to set up a bed of blankets on the ground. I then blew out the last three, settling down. I pulled a spare blanket over me, falling into a deep sleep.
Later, 3rd POV
Kopaka awoke to the sound of quiet whimpering. The white Toa lay still for a moment, then realized that the sound was coming from Takua.
He sat up, his eyes quickly adjusting to the dark. He looked to the side, then quickly moved, kneeling next to the sleeping Takua. He carefully rolled the young Toa over, examining the golden Toa's face.
Takua's face was twisted, showing a mixture of pain and fear. He continued to whimper, and Kopaka's eyes widend when he saw tears escape Takua's closed eyes.
But they were tears of blood.
Takua suddenly screamed, sitting stark strait. Kopaka barely moved in time to avoid a collision, and he watched as Takua looked around wildly.
When his eyes fell on the white Toa, Takua immediately calmed, staring at Kopaka for a few moments. He then let a small, shakey sigh pass his lips.
"Br-Brother. I'm sorry for waking you." He murmured, quickly whiping away his tears.
"What happend?" Kopaka asked quietly, continuing to inspect Takua. The young Toa looked away.
"Just...Just a nightmare, nothing to worry about." He replied before laying once again. He rolled over, back facing a slightly surprised Kopaka.
"Goodnight, brother." Takua said.
Kopaka slowly stood, moving back over to the bed, laying once again.
Soon, Takua was asleep once again, but Kopaka lay awake, staring at the back of the young Toa. He then let a small sigh escape before he rolled onto his back, staring at the roof of the hut.
He'd have to speak with Turaga Vakama.