When the light winked out, Kokua's shadow twin scanned around the area where they were camped, a few moments later, she gently shook Amaya awake.
As Amaya rubbed her eyes, Kokua's shadow twin wrote a note and handed it to her, 'There is someone approaching from close to where Kazi and the others headed.'
After reading the note, Amaya swiftly roused Lewa and Pohatu, then explained as they and Kokua's shadow twin took up positions around Aikane, Kokua and the matoran, then waited.
Lewa and Pohatu switched to their Ruru, scanning the area Kokua's shadow twin had indicated, several minutes passed, then Lewa gasped softly, "He's tall-big."
Pohatu nodded, "I can't see any weapons." he murmured, as they and Kokua's shadow twin watched the figure steadily draw closer to the camp.
Stopping at the edge of the camp site, Axonn calmly watched the Toa and their companion's actions, then sat down and waited, his hands resting on his knees in a gesture of peace.
Pohatu glanced at Kokua's shadow twin, "See if you can get Shenu or one of the others to wake up." he murmured softly, she nodded, shifting closer to where Resha, Shenu and Tane slept.
Gently she patted Shenu's arm, until he stirred and rubbed his eyes before following her, listening as Pohatu described the one who was watching them, Shenu smiled relieved.
"That's Axonn, he's on our side, and Kazi knows the most about him." He explained as Axonn stood up and asked if he could join them, the Toa nodded, reassured by Shenu's explanation.
"I've been watching you and your companions, since you parted company from Garan and the others." Axonn quietly explained, as he sat beside Shenu and Lewa.
Kokua stirred as she heard a strange voice speaking and partially opened her eyes, only to find the speaker watching her and Aikane. Unsure who he was and still half asleep, Kokua mantled her wings, shielding Aikane from his gaze.
"It's alright, sister." Amaya murmured, as she gently brushed her hand over Kokua's right wing, Kokua slowly lowered her wings and accepted a water canister from Ferus, who flushed embarrassed as Axonn glanced at him.
After she'd had a drink, Ferus, looked anxious as he took the canister over to Axonn, as he accepted it, Axonn whispered something to Ferus, who quietly replied, then rejoined Tane, Resha and Lehua, who hugged him.
While everyone quietly talked, Kokua and Amaya realized that Kokua's shadow twin was looking drained, as she slowly wrote on a blank sheet, 'I'm so sorry, but we have to rest. Hahli's shadow twin is just letting the rest of the Resistance know.' Amaya read out to everyone, as Kokua's shadow twin's wings drooped tiredly.
xXx
Piruk and Velika were sitting beside Lehua's and Resha's shadow twins, when Hahli's slowly walked over to them, holding a note.
Handing it to Velika, she slumped beside Piruk and lent against Lehua's shadow twin's shoulder.
"Can you wait-hang on until I've told-alerted the others?" Piruk asked, when he'd read the note, Haki's nodded, he and the other shadow twins looked unhappy about what they needed to do.
While Piruk roused Garan, Dalu and Balta, Velika nodded quietly as their shadow twins and the Toa's joined them, all were looking exhausted and unhappy, Aikane's shadow twin passed him another note.
'I know we said we'd fight beside you, but our being awake for so long is finally tiring us. We're really sorry.' when Garan had read this note, he nodded.
"You've been a great help." Dalu reassured them, "Rest well and rejoin us when you can." Garan added.
They watched as the shadow twins nodded gratefully, then faded from sight, Balta glanced up at the sky, as everyone quietly discussed their defences.
"It should be dawn in a few hours time." He muttered, as Piruk and Velika went to rest, Dalu glanced at him and nodded, while Garan stoked the fire.
Silently they prepared their weapons, then ate some dried fruit, before quietly talking about how their friends were getting on.
"Kazi will guide them well, and they might meet Axonn." Garan murmured, as what stars they could see moved through the sky.
As he watched them, unable to rest, Piruk tried to make out the patterns that only recently burned so brightly against the night sky, then failing that, he shifted to watch the flames of the fire as it flickered and danced.
xXx
Walking through the passageway, Kazi led the five Toa into a room with five walls and what looked like a well in the centre of the room.
Each wall had a different pattern etched into it and as Kazi glanced around curiously, the Toa went to have a better look at the patterns.
When they rejoined Kazi, Onua glanced up and whistled stunned, following his gaze, the Toa saw an intricate carving covering the ceiling.
"Now it becomes clear, " Kazi whispered, "The second puzzle is to find the key to the hidden door, and the parts are somewhere in the patterns."
The Toa turned back to the walls, those who had to switch to their Akaku and began minutely examining the patterns, while they searched, Kazi watched, fervently wishing he could help, but knowing he was only their guide.
For a while, Tahu just stared puzzled at the wall he was examining. "How can we be wasting time like this, when the Great Spirit is dying?" he thought anxiously, as his eyes started moving over the pattern again.
Suddenly Tahu noticed a minute change in the pattern, focusing intently on it, he lightly brushed his fingers over the area.
For a few minutes nothing happened, then that part of the wall slowly opened, revealing a small object, carefully Tahu picked it up, then turned back to where Kazi stood.
As Tahu rejoined him, so did the other Toa, each cupping a small object and after everyone handed the pieces to Kazi, then sat and watched as he began to figure out how the pieces would fit together.
While Kazi worked, with Kopaka helping, the others glanced up at the carved ceiling and hoped there was enough time left.
xXx
Zaktan grinned evilly when Avak returned with Brutaka, then as the others roused and watched, Zaktan and Brutaka stood a short distance away, talking quietly.
"So, where'd you find him this time?" Reidak muttered, as he moved some rocks and found some resting lizards.
After stunning the unfortunate creatures and listening to Avak's explanation, Reidak grudgingly shared the lizards with him and Thok.
Finishing their breakfast, they watched Zaktan and Brutaka plotting, then Vezok and Hakann, who'd also finished eating, joined them.
Several minutes later as dawn tried to lighten the sky, Brutaka grinned and showed Zaktan the spare Zamor Sphere Launcher he carried. The pair laughed as Brutaka put it away, before heading in the direction of the matoran Fortress, his sinister laughter seemed to linger as he raced out of sight.
xXx
Toma and Kewe re-entered the sleeping quarters as the rest woke, carrying a large tray with breakfast for everyone there.
As they and Analu sorted it out, Lari and Malie watched Turaga Anuenue as she glanced towards the window curiously, then went to look out at the view.
"Wow, it's so tall!" Anuenue murmured, as Lari and Malie joined her, she smiled at them.
"You were watching Mount Valmai during the night." Lari commented, as they turned back to the table for their breakfast.
"Really? I don't remember." Turaga Anuenue replied surprised, Malie nodded grinning, when everyone had finished eating, they went up to the ramparts.
Thought dawn was approaching, there was an unnatural twilight tinge to the light, making everything look darker, and the matoran nervously shifted their feet, watching for signs of trouble.
...
Slowing, as he reached the outcrops around the matoran Fortress, Brutaka smiled grimly, as he saw the patrol slowly walk past, watching intently for signs of Piraka.
"Just a few steps more." he thought, then when the matoran were within striking distance and out of sight of the Fortress, Brutaka swiftly launched Zamor Spheres at them, missing none.
As the patrol stood there waiting for orders, he moved closer and glared at the matoran, who watched helplessly as Brutaka started moving towards the Fortress, he paused, glanced over his shoulder and grinned darkly.
"Go to the base of Mount Valmai and start digging." He said, unable to resist the command the patrol began walking in the direction of the Piraka's Stronghold.
Brutaka watched as the matoran moved out of sight, then turned his attention back to the Fortress, as he inched closer.
Feeling worried Malie shifted closer to Anuenue, who smiled and hugged him reassuringly as Lari came over to them.
"Turaga, Resha said you are linked telepathically to Toa Aikane, Gali and Amaya," when I nodded, Lari grinned, "Could you find out how everyone is?"
"Of course, I think they will be awake." Anuenue replied, glancing towards Mount Valmai, leaning on the rampart, with Malie, Lari and those on watch, she prepared to call to her sisters.
While Turaga Anuenue concentrated, Malie caught a slight movement in the bushes, tapping Lari's and Anuenue's arms, he pointed towards the ground, having been distracted from connecting with her sisters, Anuenue glanced around curious.
Seeing some odd looking spheres flying towards them, Anuenue glanced at Malie, he looked petrified as one of them arced towards him, she dragged him out of its path not seeing one heading for her.
"Hide!" the Turaga yelled, then stumbled as the sphere struck her back. A strange feeling spread through Anuenue, and she heard a cold voice ordering her to stand with the others, then leave the Fortress, though she didn't want to and struggled against the compulsive order, Anuenue's body turned and went to join Lari and the guards.
Watching horrified as Turaga Anuenue moved to stand with his friends, all trying to resist the order, but unable to, then they headed towards the main door.
Malie bolted for a hiding place only he and Shenu knew about, making sure no-one had seen him, Malie slipped into it and shivered, feeling helpless.
As he slowly calmed down, Malie wondered if the green light sphere Nahele had given him could help in any way, while he thought about it, Malie heard footsteps nearby and listened intently until they'd faded away.
Glancing around the small well hidden room, Malie sighed and sat on the bed, taking out both feathers, he brushed them across his hand.
A few seconds later, Malie put them away and lay back on the bed, feeling strangely tired, as his eyes slowly closed, tears trickled down his mask and while he slept, a soft glow formed around him.
Walking with the matoran, Anuenue could see that they were trying like her to stop but no-one could, while Brutaka watched as they approached him.
"Hmm, a Turaga. Haven't seen your sort for a long time," he rumbled, smiling darkly as the group stopped in front of him. "You will all go to the factory and dig site, and you," he stared coldly at the Turaga of Colour, "Are just to watch them, now go!"
Unable to resist, the group turned and began to walk, while Brutaka headed for the Fortress, Lari was beside Anuenue, tears trickling down her mask, she wanted to comfort her, but the compulsion to walk was overpowering and Anuenue was unable to hug her.
Walking helplessly through the vegetation, the rainbow hued Turaga did the only thing she could and called out to her sisters, when Amaya replied, Anuenue told her what had happened.
As she went to tell Anuenue what was taking place on Mount Valmai, she asked her not to, so that she wouldn't placed them in danger, when the factory came into view.
xXx
Sitting waiting for Aikane to awaken, Amaya was with Resha, Ferus and Haki, while Axonn watched the dawn, worried by how dim the light was.
Suddenly Amaya jumped and stared towards the direction of the Fortress, "Sister, be strong." They heard her say after several minutes before going over to Lewa and Pohatu and quietly speaking with them.
When she'd finished talking, Lewa moved to hug her, as Axonn listened, then moved to where Kokua sat beside Aikane's sleeping form, she glanced up at him as he reached them.
"May I see Mata Nui's Daughter?" He asked softly, Kokua nodded, lifting her wings away from her sister, she watched as he gently touched Aikane's hand for a few moments.
Sitting beside Kokua, Axonn was torn between, going after Brutaka, aiding the other Toa and Kazi or waiting for Aikane to awaken, and knowing all three options were important.
xXx
Horror filled the Turaga as she saw the factory and dig site, the group had been ordered to go to, it was worse than any she'd ever seen.
On reaching the gateway, they moved to follow a group of enslaved matoran, then as they entered the work area Anuenue stopped, unable to follow Lari and the others.
Though she didn't know which part of the lava draining or Zamor Sphere making process this was she was being forced to watch, tears slowly began running down Anuenue's mask, as she thought of how the Piraka had threatened Malie by telling him they'd make Shenu work here.
Anuenue watched helplessly, as her friends fell in with the other matoran and began moving containers of liquid, rubble filled carts and partially finished spheres, while other matoran silently shifted raw materials around, their sad eyes weary, as they struggled with their loads, stumbling from time to time.
xXx
"Malie, wake up, little one." A gentle voice chimed softly, as he stirred then opened his eyes and sat up looking around amazed.
Glancing at the vibrantly coloured mist, Malie wondered who had called his name, then spotting Aikane's sleeping spirit, he scrambled up and hurried over to her.
Kneeling beside her, Malie gently patted Aikane's shoulder, then glanced around as the sound of chiming reached him, as the chiming grew louder, Malie took out the green light sphere and placed it in front of him.
"Why did I just do that?" he wondered, as several orbs of undefinable colour floated into view, shifting closer to Aikane, Malie watched as all but one of the orbs drifted back into the mist.
The remaining orb hovered over the green light sphere, then moved to envelope it.
Several minutes passed, then Malie shifted closer, curious as to what was happening, the orb then rose up to hover at his eye-level.
When the orb moved, the green light sphere slowly rose from the ground and as Malie held his hand out came to rest in his palm.
While Malie put the light sphere away, he never took his eyes from the strangely coloured orb, then sat back beside Aikane, as a feeling of security flowed through him.
When Malie's spirit fell asleep, the orb was rejoined by the others, the chiming began to grow in strength as a glow formed around him and Malie's spirit was gently returned to his body.
The orbs then hovered around Aikane's sleeping spirit, the chiming softened as they watched the violet glow that was still faintly visible around her.
xXx
Awaking to the sound of heavy footsteps moving past, very close to where he hid, Malie froze and held his breath, listening anxiously as Brutaka's voice snarled at his helpless captives.
"Is this all of you?"
After a few minutes, he growled "Come on."
Malie brushed tears from his mask, as everyone's footsteps faded from earshot and wondered if he should try and reach Kokua and the others or wait a while longer.
Cautiously moving over to the slit window, he watched as Brutaka shoved Aroyu, making the Ta-matoran stumble, and laughing wickedly as he forced the matoran towards the Piraka's Stronghold.
When they were out of sight, Mali sat on the stool by the window, racking his brain for some way to alert the others, then a smile crossed his mask as he remembered the curious rahi that had been found after the storm that had destroyed the Ga-matoran village.
"I wonder if he remembers me?" Malie thought, as he found some of the rahi's favourite fruit, cautiously Malie left the hidden room, then swiftly and silently made his way down to where Makeo as he'd been named, had made his den.
Entering the area in front of Makeo's sleeping quarters, Malie put the bag down and took out Makeo's favourite fruit, before shouldering the bag again, then waited to see what he'd do.
Several minutes passed, then slowly Makeo slithered out to see who was there, his silver eyes brightened as he recognised the silent one who'd helped mend his wing.
Slithering closer, Makeo crooned softly before accepting the fruit Malie offered, then nudged him gently.
Then Malie took out Kokua's wing feather and showed it to Makeo, who used the tip of his tail to hold it while he memorized the scent, then let Malie climb on, before returning the feather to him.
Holding tight, Malie hoped they would reach everyone in time, as the feathered serpent moved through the tunnel that led out of the Fortress.
On leaving the tunnel, Makeo glanced curiously at Malie, who nodded and pointed towards Mount Valmai, then held on tightly as Makeo gathered himself to take off.
As they spiralled upwards, Malie's eyes widened in amazement at the view he could see, then Makeo, having gained enough height, caught the air currents and headed towards Mount Valmai.
Hanging onto Makeo's feathers, Malie felt rather than heard Makeo's enraged hiss, when he spotted the captured matoran, but to Malie's relief, Makeo stayed on course for Mount Valmai.
As they flew over where the Piraka were moving towards the Resistance.
Makeo glanced back at Malie as he felt him shiver, sensing that his friend was terrified of those below them, Makeo sped towards Mount Valmai, leaving the evil ones behind.
When they reached Mount Valmai, Makeo slowed to taste the air for traces of Kokua's scent, weaving through the air for several minutes, he then caught a trace of it and began heading to where it was strongest.
Malie peered over Makeo's shoulder, as he slowed again, and saw where the others were camped, swooping down, Makeo landed a couple of bio from the camp and let Malie climb from his back.
As Malie took some more fruit from his bag to thank Makeo, some of the other matoran and Axonn had notice their arrival and had alerted the Toa and Kokua.
While Malie fed Makeo, he tried to figure out how he'd explain what had taken place, and that the Piraka were close to Garan and the others.
Glancing towards the camp, Malie realized that everyone had seen him and Makeo arrive and were waiting for him to join them.
Quietly chatting with Lewa and Tane, Axonn caught a glimpse of someone landing near by, Haki, Matoro, Jaller and Ferus were closest, so he watched quietly, as they realized there was someone there and came to tell everyone else.
"Toa, we've got company." Jaller said as they rejoined them, glancing back to where a small figure could be seen feeding a strange looking rahi.
"Hey, Kokua come and look." Macku called to her, switching to his Akaku, Lewa murmured, "It's Malie!"
Everyone wondered why Malie had come to join them, as he and the rahi made their way over to them, when Malie reached them, everyone was concerned by the look of distress on his mask and as Amaya knelt down to hug Malie, he began to cry.
While everyone helped comfort Malie, Makeo slithered over to where Kokua sat beside Aikane, Axonn watched as Makeo tasted the air around Kokua, then crooned softly and curled up near by.
She glanced curiously at the rahi as it watched her, then softly imitated Makeo's crooning, he reared up surprised, then slithered closer and crooned again, when Kokua crooned back Makeo rubbed his head against her wing.
While they made friends, Hahli sat with Amaya, Shenu and Malie, as he began writing, telling them about what he'd seen occur at the Fortress.
The dim mid-morning light shone down as everyone sat waiting for Malie to finish writing, Axonn watched the area where he knew the other Toa and Kazi were.
Makeo listened to Kokua, enthralled by her voice as she softly sang to her sleeping sister, then he began to croon along with her, drawing a smile from Axonn.