The Toa's Apprentice Chapter 7, a bionicle fanfic

'Nother update.

"I have an idea," Tahu announced.

After the meeting and Lewa's departure, Kopaka and Tahu took Matt and me aside into Tahu's dwelling, which was a just a fancy hut constructed of volcanic rock. Matt and I sat on the floor, leaning up against the walls as we munched on a meager meal of some sort of bread, sweet berries, and water. It wasn't a diet I was used to (what I wouldn't have given for a cheeseburger and fries!) but it satisfied the appetite.

Kopaka glanced away from the window, his one blue eye narrowing. "And what's that?"

"The Turaga might have forbade them to fight," Tahu said, "but he said nothing about a little training. As far as I'm concerned, as long as they're not purposefully beating the sense out of one another, it'd be okay."

Kopaka considered Tahu's proposal in a way one might consider buying a new car: thoroughly and with care. "Hm, perhaps that is a good idea. With this imposter about it wouldn't do them any good to not know how to fight."

Matt and I exchanged a look. Suddenly I didn't feel very hungry.

"Well, how tough of a training will it be?" Matt asked. She pushed his emptied bowl and cup aside.

Tahu shrugged. "For starters, just a basic physical assessment to see where you stand. Then we'll build it up from there."

"Oh, okay." Their test would be easy. Because of soccer, I was used to conditioning and pushing the limits of my body. Things like running and sits ups were a breeze for me and I could do at least twenty push-ups in a row. Whatever training the Toa dished out, I would meet it head on.

"Right, let's get started then."

Leading Matt and me outside, we traveled to a more open space. It happened to be an arena-type thing that reminded me of the arenas gladiators fought in. Rows of bleachers surrounded the arena on all sides and in the middle lay a sort of viewing box, probably for more esteemed spectators. Tahu and Kopaka stood in the middle, turning to Matt and me.

"Like we said, we'll go easy on you to see where you stand," Kopaka stated. "However, if the exercises are too easy we will increase the intensity. Are you ready?"

"I was born ready," I said, shaking out my arms and legs, bouncing lightly on the balls of my feet.

Matt simply nodded.

"Very well. We'll start with a circuit. Take four laps around the arena, ten push ups between each lap," Tahu instructed.

I scoffed. That seemed a little too easy but I wasn't going to complain.

"Well, what're you waiting for? Get moving."

As one, Matt and I took off towards the outside of the arena, but the boy quickly fell behind me. Our quick meal revived the vigor in my legs and they carried me for one lap around the perimeter. Immediately I dropped to the ground and proceeded to execute the ten push-ups with ease.

"My apprentice certainly is no stranger to exercise," Kopaka muttered to Tahu, a hint of humor in his icy voice. I cracked a smile as Tahu growled.

"We'll see about that," the Fire Toa replied. He gestured to me just as I stood up. "This exercise is too basic, too easy. I'm sure your . . . apprentice would appreciate a more challenging routine."

Kopaka pondered the proposal thoroughly, adjusting his grip upon his ice blade. "I don't see any problem with that. You're right, she might need something more challenging."

Tahu smirked. "Are you actually agreeing with me, stormbringer?"

Kopaka frowned. "Don't let it go to your head. Cheryl." He walked forward and I met him in the middle. "This routine is too easy for you. I want you to complete eight laps and 20 push ups in the next 15 minutes."

I nearly feel over. "What?!" I gaped incredulously. "Fifteen minutes? No one can do that in fifteen minutes."

"You just completed a lap and a set of push ups in less then three minutes," the Ice Toa pointed out and I frowned. "You can certainly do it in fifteen minutes. After all, you are an athlete. You're no stranger to hard work."

Heaving a sigh I stared at him, not amused. Sure I endured hard practices at soccer, but even then my coaches never instructed me to run as much in so little time. I at least had 20 minutes. "Maybe we can negotiate?"

"If I decide it is to intense for you, I will adjust it for you." Kopaka pointed to the rim of the arena, where Matt passed us. "Now, get running."

Heaving an exasperated sigh, I sluggishly walked to the rim, kicking up dust along the way. "So not cool," I hissed. "He's going to run me into the ground."

Taking off at a light jog, I paced myself. While it made sense to run the laps as fast as I could to get them all done, I was smart enough to know it wasted too much energy. However, it irked me that I always kept behind Matt. Even in a soccer game, I hated it whenever someone was in front of me, always keeping me at a controlled pace. I shifted around him, kicking up my speed every so slightly to take the lead as we rounded another bend.

Glancing over my shoulder, Matt was barely holding on. His face was red and sweaty, and he took short, choppy breaths with each step. I shook my head, turning around to run backwards.

"Hey, take it easy," I advised, voice bouncing with each step. "You're only exhausting yourself."

"Almost . . . done," Matt panted.

I sighed. "Alright, suit yourself." Turning back around, I raced off to start the second lap.

I kept careful track of how fast I ran and what lap I was on. Even though I enjoyed exercise, this one was taking its toll. My legs still hadn't fully healed from the Muaka attack and the short rest I took wasn't nearly enough. By the halfway mark I was feeling the effects of the run. My legs ached and my lungs burned, a pain stinging my sides. I envied Matt as he swapped the run and push-ups for a simple round of crunches. Even though my core was the weakest part of me, I would have gladly done a hundred sit-ups just to give my legs a break.

"You're slacking, human," Tahu called, arms squarely across his chest. "Getting tired, are we?"

I growled, tension settling in my shoulders. "Ha! I'm just getting warmed up."

With the last bit of strength, I pushed my legs to move faster. Screwing my eyes shut, I braced against the pain, groaning. The exercise was torture and I could only take so much. With one final step, all energy drained from me and I collapsed to my knees, hunched over and panting. Sweat dripped in large beads onto the warm ground, evaporating in a hiss of steam. My form was wracked with trembles as I fought to regain my breath. I felt as if I were going to throw up.

"No . . . no more," I moaned, swallowing another breath. "No . . . more."

In my mind I heard Tahu laughing at me, jeering that my run was nothing but child's play. But I didn't care. I knew when I was at my limit and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't take another step, even I wanted to.

A cold presence weighed down gently on my upper back, prompting me to look up. Kopaka stood beside me, the tip of his blade soothing the back of my neck. A shiver shuddered my spine; it was the best feeling in the world.

"This arena is half a mile in circumference," he informed me. "You ran 8 laps . . . you ran four miles without so much as a pause." He nodded and I felt as if I had received a great honor. "I am impressed."

The briefest glimmer of a smirk tweaked my lips before I tiredly hung my head. "Thanks," I breathed.

With another stiff nod, Kopaka nudged me up with the flat of his blade, giving me a wide berth to steady myself against the wall.

"I should have you complete those push ups, but I fear you'll collapse if you're pushed too hard," he sighed. "Consider yourself lucky I'm taking it easy on you. Rest up for a bit, then we'll continue."

He tapped the side of my leg with the ice blade and I dropped like a stone, landing hard on my backside. It felt so good to sit! Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes. A humid breeze drifted by, ruffling my sweaty bangs and easing my irritated muscles. It reminded me of the summers spent in my hometown, when it would reach midday and the breeze ruffled the dried stalks of grass and tree leaves. I could almost smell the browned earth, the salty chlorine of the community swimming pool, and the hot dogs cooking on the grill. I swallowed hard, each memory falling into place like pieces of a puzzle. It was like being there again . . .

"Cheryl."

Snapping my eyes open, I was greeted by the arena and frowned, drawing my legs up to rest my chin against my knees. "Sorry. Must have been daydreaming . . ."

Kopaka shook his head, heaving a disappointed sigh. "Dreaming will get you nowhere, not when you have things you must do." Motioning for me to stand, he gestured to the middle of the arena. "I hope you've rested enough."

Shaking off the remnants of my daydream, I followed his direction. Matt followed soon after and we both were left facing each other. A sinking feeling pressed down on my stomach. I could only guess what was to come next.

"From your warm up exercise," Tahu began as he stood between us. Kopaka hung back behind me, watching, "you both have showed you have the stamina of any Toa. Some more than others." He glanced to me and I scowled. "But now is the time to prove yourselves."

From out of nowhere two flaming swords materialized within Tahu's hands and he stuck them into the ground at his feet. A sharp metallic clang echoed and Matt and I had to cover our ears.

"You two must fight!" Tahu ushered Matt forward and pushed the blades into his hands. The weight of the weapons was more than the boy could handle; he could barely lift them up!

"This is going to be a cake walk," I muttered, planting my hands on my hips. With the swords weighing him down, there was no way Matt would be able to catch me. I could easily tire him out and then land a few solid punches. He'd be knocked out in seconds.

"Don't get cocky," Kopaka muttered as he approached. Turning around, I faced my mentor. "You already have an advantage. Tahu has given him two swords for a purely offensive attack. He'll have no use for defense."

Removing the shield from his arm, he handed it to me. It was a little more weight than I was used to but it wasn't overbearing. Slipping my hand through the two straps on the inside, I latched it to my forearm, making sure it was secure.

Next, Kopaka took his ice blade and gripped the central handle, breaking it apart as if it were a thawing icicle. Holding two individual blades, he placed one in my hands.

I couldn't help but notice how natural it felt in my palm, like it belonged there. Testing my grip, I clenched the handle and noticed a surge of electric blue race up the mountain like parts running up the side of the short sword. My skin tingled with a chill and for a moment the breath rushed from my lungs, as if I had stepped from a warm house into a very frosty winter.

"Whoa," I breathed.

"Everything alright?" Kopaka asked, arms crossed over his chest.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm cool.

"Hey, Kopaka. This isn't, like, to the death, right?"

He scoffed and a hot blush smothered my pale face. "Don't be foolish. If this was to the death, I would have let Makuta kill you."

"Fair enough," I nodded. "But what if he is secretly good at fighting?" Glancing over my shoulder, Matt was going through a series of basic stabs and thrusts, Tahu guiding the way, but I could see the power behind them. I gulped.

Kopaka shrugged. "If he is, he is. You had better be prepared." Touching his hand to my back, Kopaka pushed me forward towards the middle of the arena where Tahu and Matt were waiting for me.

Tahu greeted us, standing between Matt and I, arms crossed over his chest, blazing eyes switching from one to the other. "Now I want a nice, clean fight," he instructed.

I held a scoff.

He turned to me. "Something funny, human?"

Shaking my head I replied, "No." I frowned. "And my name is Cheryl."

Brushing me aside, Tahu resumed, "As I said, I want a nice, clean fight. This is only a test to see where you two stand. You're bound to get cut here or there, but no hacking off limbs, no disemboweling, and no decapitation. When you're a Toa, not allowed to kill your teammates. That being said, on my mark you may begin."

He raised his arm and instantly I jumped back into a defensive position, holding the shield in front and raising the sword like a scorpion would raise its stinger. My eyes narrowed at Matt, never leaving him for a second. Whatever he had to offer I would be ready.

Tahu brought his arm down in a fiery blur of red. "Go!"

Suddenly it was like the floodgates had opened. Matt instantly rushed me as soon as Tahu's arm came down, knocking the edges of his blades against the shield. The collision toppled me over as if I were no more than a sapling in a strong gale. I lost my grip on my own blade and it fell away, leaving me defenseless and open.

Eyes widening, all I could focus on was the tip of Matt's sword aimed downward towards my stomach, barely resting against the material of my shirt. I blinked, astounded, and looked up at him as he panted, barely keeping the heavy weapon above me. How was he able to move so fast?!

"Pull back," Tahu called and Matt stepped back, the swords resting limply at his sides. I sat up only a little, touching my stomach for wounds.

Matt smiled sheepishly down at me. "Sorry," he shrugged. Dropping one blade, her offered me a hand up. "I didn't mean to go hard on you."

For a moment I simply looked at his hand, before brushing it aside and rising on my own. "You just caught me off-guard," I replied, dusting the legs of my pants. "You just got lucky."

Blinking, Matt pulled his hand back, hurt. "Oh . . ."

A slight frown creased my lips, seeing his wounded expression, but I shook it off. Readjusting the straps of the shield, I trudged towards my discarded blade. Before I could pick it up, the tip of another blade stabbed the earth in front of it, forcing me to jump away. My eyes lifted and were immediately met with Kopaka's disapproving gaze. I paled.

"What happened?" he growled.

I swallowed, throat dry. "Uh . . ." My brain floundered around for an explanation. "Well . . . he was fast and . . . I guess . . ."

"You weren't ready," Kopaka surmised and I scowled.

"That's not fair!" I fought back. "I was too ready, he just moved impossibly fast, that's all. It was just a little mistake."

"A mistake that would have gotten you killed," he growled and I lowered my head, ashamed. "Had he been an enemy your blood would have been a stain on his blade." His hand grasped my shoulder and our eyes met. "Second rule of being a Toa: there are no mistakes."

My stomach sank. Humans, as a rule, were prone to multiple mistakes and if I couldn't afford even one . . . then perhaps Kopaka chose the wrong person to be apprentice.

"Yes, sir," I mumbled, chin touching my chest.

"Good." Removing the blade from the ground, Kopaka knelt down and picked up the other half, shoving it into my palm. "Try to be more alert this time."

Without answering, I turned away and slunk back to the center of the arena. Even though the lecture wasn't very harsh, it wounded me all the same. I now had to be especially cautious in everything I did – one false move and it was game over.

Standing facing Matt again, I adjusted my grip upon the handle of the blade. He had made a fool of me – and I wouldn't allow the same thing to happen twice.

No mistakes, I thought.

"Are you okay?" Matt asked, leaning forward to get a better view of my downcast face.

I nodded stiffly. "Fine," I ground out and he backed away.

Tahu glanced between the pair of us and slowly raised his arm to give another signal. My heart leaped into my throat, stomach twisting with anticipation. It was all I could do not to take a head start. No mistakes. Matt picked up the swords an inch and I squeezed my weapon so tightly my knuckles turned white. I had to beat him, no matter what. Tahu's arm swept down in a flourish and I pushed my body forward to meet Matt head on.

I didn't make it very far.

No sooner had I taken my first step did the mother of all earthquakes shake the ground and a wall of earth slammed straight upwards, the forcing knocking back Matt, Tahu and me. The tons of rock and soil plummeted down and we all barely moved out of the way in time.

Tahu stared up at the enormous pile of earth, growling. "What just happened?!" he roared. Snatching his blades back from Matt, he stood before him, primed to attack.

"I don't know, but I'm certain it's not good." Standing beside me, Kopaka, too, took back his blade and shield, shielding me from whatever was to come.

Nothing stirred from the pile for the longest time, leaving us to hold our breaths and wait. It happened when and where we least expected it. From beneath me, the ground suddenly gave way and I plummeted down into the waiting jaws of an enormous pit. It was only through swift reflexes I managed to grasp the sides.

"Cheryl!" Kopaka gasped. Tahu and Matt ran over to help.

I struggled to hold onto the side, arms straining. "Help me!" I glanced down and my stomach sank. There was nothing beneath me but darkness.

"Hold on." Kneeling down, Kopaka took hold of my wrist but was immediately tackled in the side by a cloud of living shadow. He grunted, rolling away from me.

"No!" I cried. Grimacing, I dug my nails into the lip of the gorge, fighting to remain holding on. "Help!"

The sounds of battle waged above me, Tahu, Kopaka and Matt all engaged in the fight. I wanted to help. Regardless if I liked them or not, they were my teammates – I had to be there for them. Mustering up what strength I could, I flexed my stomach, forcing my arms to lock as I struggled to pull myself up. I tried reaching out with my legs, hoping to use the wall of the pit as leverage, but it was too far away. My strength waned and I fell limply back to dangle over the waiting darkness.

Suddenly, a chill harsher than anything Kopaka could muster settled into my bones and I was all too aware of a presence looming over me. Glancing over my shoulder, the darkness had taken on a form of its own, swirling around me in one poisonous tendril. I shut my eyes, hoping to wish it away, but to no avail.

"Cheryl."

My eyes snapped open and instantly froze, widening in shock. The breath was stolen from my body and I would have lost my grip upon the lip of the gorge had I not been gripping it so tight. The shadow was face to face with me and suddenly it began to change, contorting into a face that I had believed to have left in the distant remnants of my memory.

My jaw hung open as the clear features of the face came into view, flickering like a flame within the shadow mask of the shadow. Tears sprang to my eyes and my body became numb. All feeling became lost within my arms and my fingers curled in on themselves, effectively slipping me from the mouth of the gorge to plummet down into the darkness, staring endlessly into the shadow face of my dead brother.