When the matoran reached the tunnel entrance, the ones from Voya Nui hung back and glanced up at the Toa. "Sister, what is your name now?" Gali asked the young Water Toa, while Lewa and Pohatu reassured the matoran and walked with them outside.
"Now? Oh sorry, I'm now called Reshana." Resha blushed slightly, then giggled as the others told them their new names, "Hakinu, Lerihua and Ferinus. They suit-fit you brothers." Sheranu laughed, as they followed the Toa Nuva.
"But what kind of Toa are we?" Tein'a commented quietly, Kopaka smiled slightly, "Toa Voya, of course." he replied, as they joined the matoran who'd gathered around the Turaga and a large bonfire, while Nixie, Onepu, Tamaru, Hafu, Kopeke and Kapura finished putting up the last of several large tents.
Seeing Amaya and Takanuva were still at the tunnel entrance, Nokama excused herself and walked over to them, she murmured softly, shocked by Anuenue's appearance then hugged her.
"Welcome back, sister." Nokama whispered, as she glanced amazed at Kokua's wings, before leading everyone over to the nearest tent, while showing Axonn where Aikane could rest, Nokama glanced again at Anuenue, wondering where her robe was and what had happened to her mask.
After settling Aikane down, Nokama shooed Takanuva, Amaya, Kokua and Axonn out the tent having asked Kokua to pass a message on to Vakama, she nodded and went to look for him, while the others rejoined the Toa and matoran
"Sister, what is wrong?" Nokama gently asked, while helping Anuenue to settle on some blankets, then listened as she told Nokama what she'd been shown and how for a while Aikane had died.
Anuenue was still crying, when Vakama entered with a canister, placing it down he gently hugged Anuenue before handing it to her, "This will help sister." he murmured as she drank, settling back as the strong sleeping draught took effect.
xXx
"Where are we?" a startled voice nearby woke Anuenue, and as she turned over, opening her eyes, she saw her Dad and sister sitting in the mist, looking around puzzled.
Scrambling up the Turaga of Colour was just about to enter the clearing to hug them, when she paused looking down at her form, glancing around she realized the Great Spirit was watching her.
He smiled as Anuenue activated her Mahiki and changed to her human form, looking down at herself again, Anuenue then bowed to Mata Nui, before nervously entering the clearing.
"Dad, siskin, it's a dream we're sharing." Sherrie explained as she reached them, they stared at her shocked as she knelt beside them, after they'd hugged crying, they told her what they'd been told and seen.
After they'd cried some more, they then talked until first her sister fell asleep, as Dad began to doze off he smile at her, "What do you look like now?" he asked yawning, as Anuenue showed him, he smiled, hugged her and she cuddled him as he fell asleep, "Farewell Dad." Anuenue whispered tearfully, placing him back on the mist, then hugged her sister, she grumbled slightly at being woken but hugged her tightly.
Watching as their sleeping spirits were returned to their bodies, Anuenue brushed the tears from her mask, as the Great Spirit joined her, glancing up at him, she managed a smile.
"Thank you." Turaga Anuenue whispered, bowing to him, Mata Nui smiled, as he gently tilted her mask up, "You used your Mahiki well. When you awaken go to the Great Temple with Aikane." she nodded, as her eyes grew heavy and began to close, then Anuenue felt herself being gently placed on the mist and drifted back to sleep.
xXx
Nokama and Vakama looked up as they were joined by the rest of the Turaga, Amaya, Gali, Kopaka, Lewa and Kokua, who quietly talked with them for a while before settling down to rest, silence blanketed the area, as everyone slept and the bonfire slowly crumbled to ash.
…
Malie awoke then quietly left the tent he'd slept in and looked around at where they'd camped.
While he wandered around, feeling relaxed for the first time in ages, Malie thought about what he'd dreamt, as he saw two figures leaving one of the tents, walking over to them, he grinned at Turaga Anuenue and Aikane.
"Would you like to come with us?" Aikane asked while Malie hugged her and Anuenue, he grinned, nodding eagerly and walked beside them, looking around curiously as they left the camp behind.
When they were far enough away from camp, Anuenue smiled as Malie's eyes widened in amazement when Aikane switched to her Miru, then watched as she scrambled onto a nearby boulder and beckoned to him.
Joining her, Malie listened as Anuenue explained what to do, nodding he carefully wrapped his arms around Aikane's neck and clasped his hands tightly together.
When he was ready, Aikane shared her Miru Nuva's power with Anuenue, as she held her arm, then they took off as the suns peeked above the horizon,.
Soaring through the sky, Anuenue glanced back at Malie and smiled as he grinned delightedly. They flew over Po-metru for a while, then heard distant wing-beats approaching, Malie glanced around and saw a bird flying towards them, as it drew level, Turaga Anuenue laughed delightedly as the bird sang while it kept pace with them.
Watching the landscape unfolding beneath them as they flew over Metru Nui, Malie was fascinated by how different everything was to what he and the others had known for so long.
Landing in Ga-metru, half way across the causeway Anuenue helped Malie down then introduced him to Wanimua while they headed across the rest of the causeway, as they did, Wanimua glanced around and chirped as the butterfly flock joined them.
xXx
When Turaga Anuenue and Aikane quietly left the tent, Vakama partially opened his eyes and smiled before drifting back to sleep.
The suns were well risen when everyone began to wake and join up by the remains of the bonfire, while they chatted amongst themselves, Sheranu glanced around puzzled, then wandered over to where Hahli, Nixie and Dume were talking with Nokama.
"Has anyone seen Aikane, Anuenue and Malie?" he asked, sitting beside Hahli and accepting the fruit she passed him, pausing in her note taking, Nokama nodded.
"Vakama saw Aikane and Anuenue leaving the tent early. Malie will most likely be with them." she explained, Sheranu listened as he ate, then when he'd finished they rejoined the others as they helped take down the tents.
When the tents were folded and packed away, everyone began walking towards the remote chute station, while the matoran gazed around fascinated, Jaller, Ahonui and Macku answering their questions.
A short distance apart from them, the Toa Voya were practising with their elements, with the Toa Nuva and Turaga giving pointers and advice, it was mid morning when the matoran, Kokua and Makeo reached the chute station and they sat in the shade, chatting and passing water canisters around while waiting for the Toa and Turaga to catch up.
Makeo tasted the air then crooned as he picked up Aikane's, Anuenue's and Malie's scent, "I think-guess Makeo should fly-soar with you to Ga-metru." Kongu commented to Kokua, as they were joined by the Toa and Turaga, as they approached the waiting matoran, Kokua and Makeo, Tein'a whispered something to Reshana, who stifled a giggle, suddenly Hakinu yelped, startled as he got covered in rapidly melting snow.
Tahu helped Hakinu to dry off, while trying to stifle his sniggering, then as everyone entered the chute station, Turaga Dume, Matau and Whenua asked Nixie and the others if they'd tell the rest of the matoran it was time to come to the coliseum.
"Right away, Turaga." Nixie replied, bowing, then they jumped into the chute and zipped out of sight, a chorus of amazed whistles rose from the remaining matoran and Toa Voya.
"We won't be going that fast." Vakama commented, smiling, as the matoran began slowly moving closer to the chute, "Aww!" Acirru and Kewe chorused, making everyone laugh, as they sorted themselves into groups.
"Erm... Turaga," Lari murmured, blushing slightly as Nuju and Onewa turned to her, Reshana, Rinia and Kewe, "Is it possible to see the Kikanalo?"
"Of course, we're close to where the herd tend to rest." Turaga Onewa replied, as Nuju went over to where Lewa was chatting with Matau, Nokama, Gali and Sheranu.
A few minutes later, Nokama joined them and led them towards the north, while the remaining Toa and Turaga went with the other matoran who were slowly entering the chute.
After walking for a short distance, they could hear the Kikanalo calling to each other, Nokama then called out a greeting to the chief, and as they came into view, Reshana began brushing tears away, overjoyed to see Kikanalo again.
They spent roughly half an hour with the herd, before they went to graze, and returned to the chute station, on the way back, Nokama told them about how one of the herd liked to tease Turaga Matau and how long it had been going on for.
xXx
When the butterfly flock settled on Aikane and Anuenue, Malie reached out to touch one, only to have several flutter onto him, the butterflies then shifted wing colours, amazing him.
Aikane and Anuenue then entered the great Temple, Malie close behind them, while making their way down the stairs, Malie was glancing around fascinated by the statue of Toa Lhikan.
He suddenly blinked and tapped Anuenue's arm before pointing at the statue's mask, "Yes, that's Lhikan's Toa form." she quietly told him, as they approached the Toa Suva, then the butterflies fluttered from their perches on Aikane and Anuenue to hover around Malie.
Aikane then sat before the Toa Suva as her eyes began to glow intense blue, when she gestured, Anuenue moved to stand beside her and they all gazed at the Toa Suva as it began glowing.
As the butterfly flock all landed on Malie, he wondered what was going to happen, then noticed that all the butterflies wings had turned white with blue sparks.
Watching Aikane and Turaga Anuenue as they gazed at the brightly glowing Toa Suva, Malie realized that a figure was slowly appearing in the light shining from the Suva.
The light then grew so bright that Malie had to shield his eyes, then it faded slightly, squinting through his fingers, Malie saw that Aikane and Turaga Anuenue were bowing to the Great Spirit.
For a few moments he and Aikane gazed silently at each other, then as her eyes returned to their normal colour, Mata Nui smiled gently at Turaga Anuenue and whispered something to her before he glanced over to Malie.
"Watch the Suva." the Great Spirit whispered to Anuenue, before he glanced at Malie, then beckoned him to come closer. Puzzled the rainbow hued Turaga turned her attention back to the Toa Suva,, something was taking shape in the light which still shone around it.
When it faded away, Aikane smiled as she watched Turaga Anuenue, who murmured astonished, reaching out to lift up her Kanohi Ruaorea. Holding her mask, Anuenue glanced around at Aikane, who smiled happily, then as she went to put it on, they glanced at the Great Spirit.
Drawing closer Malie looked up at Mata Nui, then smiled and bowed, as he straightened up, their eyes met and Malie heard him silently whisper, "Would you like to be able to speak?" as Malie blinked stunned, Anuenue put her mask on and the main chamber lit up with rainbow colours.
Glancing away from the Great Spirit, watching the butterflies dancing around, Malie thought about being able to speak-talk, then shyly looked back up at Mata Nui, who smiled reassuringly in return.
Blushing, Malie swallowed hard and slowly shook his head, "I like the way I am." he thought, the Great Spirit nodded, brushing his hand over Malie's mask, then glanced at Aikane and Turaga Anuenue as they joined Malie, Mata Nui and the butterfly flock.
"Everyone is waiting for you at the coliseum and Kokua and Makeo are coming over the causeway." Mata Nui commented, as the butterflies fluttered around all of us, their wings shimmering and shifting colours.
The sea-green/apricot one landed on Malie's mask, its colours shining brightly, "I will join you later." he said, as they slowly began moving towards the stairs, with the butterflies accompanying them, they bowed to the Great Spirit and headed for the entrance.
xXx
Arriving at the chute station nearest to the coliseum, Turaga Nokama, Kewe, Reshana, Rinia and Lari were still chatting about the Kikanalo, when they joined the rest of the Toa Voya and matoran
"Turaga Vakama said we should wait for Toa Aikane and the others to arrive." Ferinus explained, when Nokama asked why they were sitting outside, "He said something would happen, but didn't say-tell us what." Sheranu added, shifting up so Reshana could sit beside him, while Lari, Kewe and Rinia sat with Dezalk, Balta and Dalu.
"I don't think you'll have to wait for long." Nokama chuckled, as she entered the hallway through to the kolhii arena and went to join the rest of the Turaga and Rahaga who were talking with Jaller, Kongu, Macku, Ahonui and Hewkii, while Hahli was busy writing.
Then Jaller and friends went to tell the rest of the matoran, who were sitting around the arena, chatting amongst themselves, intrigued as to what was going to happen.
As the word spread, the matoran nearest the entrance began trying to see if they could spot the new Toa and matoran.
Around early afternoon everyone was watching Lewa as he raced the phase dragon around the tower, when he suddenly stopped, ducking the phase dragon as it swooped overhead, then turned to see what the Air Toa was looking at.
Coming into view were Aikane carrying Anuenue, Kokua, Makeo with Malie and Wanimua, excited the phase dragon roared and began to fly over to see if they would join in the race.
"Not this time, quick-fast one." Lewa called out, zipping between them and the phase dragon, it rumbled disappointed, then nudged Lewa sending him into a spin before going to find some gukko birds to race.
"See you soon, brother." Aikane called out, as he waved, then went to tell their brothers, sisters, Rahaga, Axonn and the Turaga.
Landing near their waiting friends, Aikane let Kokua help Anuenue down, then after Makeo let Malie climb from his back, they walked over to them.
"You've got your mask back, but how?" Tein'a exclaimed, as they headed to the coliseum entrance, Anuenue was about to answer when a dark gold/black blur shot towards them and jumped around barking, before nudging his 'pack leader' happily.
"Wotzit?!" Kazi exclaimed, as surprised as Anuenue was, and while Wotzit got his head and ears rubbed, she asked Gali if Matau was having a laugh.
"No sister, it seems that when the Turaga arrived back here Wotzit was found asleep in the conference room." she replied giggling.
With Wotzit, Makeo and Wanimua following us, everyone walked through the entrance hall and into the arena, stopping in the centre, close to where the Turaga, Toa and Axonn waited.
"Sister, we should call the rainbow." Amaya silently whispered, as she and Turaga Dume approached the group of nervously curious matoran and Toa, while Aikane went over to where the crystal orb shone in the early afternoon light, and Kokua led Wotzit, Makeo and Wanimua over to join the others.
"It has been many years since Toa have come to Metru Nui from another land. The Toa Nuva have told us most of what took place on Voya Nui and how Mount Valmai has destroyed your homes. You are all more than welcome to make Metru Nui your new home." Turaga Dume said, as the matoran watching began cheering.
The Toa and matoran from Voya Nui looked around at the happily cheering matoran, then talked amongst themselves for a few minutes before Sheranu turned to where Amaya, Turaga Dume and Anuenue stood, bowing to them, he smiled.
"Thank you Turaga, we would be honour-glad to build-make a new home on Metru Nui." Sheranu replied, as the others nodded in agreement, Turaga Dume smiled and rejoined the others, as Amaya and Turaga Anuenue joined hands and stepped forwards.
Smiling at their new friends, Amaya and Anuenue activated their masks, forming a rainbow over them and the watching Toa and matoran. While everyone quietened to watch, as the rainbow glowed and shimmered above them, Anuenue and Amaya gazed at the matoran and Toa and concentrated on brightening their colours.
Watching as her sisters returned colour to their friends, Aikane sensed that the Great Spirit was close by, "I'm closer that you think, Daughter," came a gentle chuckle, "Hold out your hand." as Aikane did everyone began to cheer as the rainbow exploded into tiny sparks of colour, which danced in the air before vanishing, she felt a hand gently enfolding hers.
While the Toa, Axonn, Kokua and the matoran watched their friends regaining their colour, the rest of the Turaga and Rahaga watched as a glowing figure took shape beside Aikane, Takanuva realizing that their attention was elsewhere, glanced in the direction they were looking.
"Mata Nui!" he whispered and nudged Onua and Kopaka, who in turn alerted the others, as they turned to watch, a murmur of awe spread throughout the watching matoran.
As the last traces of rainbow faded and their friends glanced at each other delighted at their restored colour, Malie was about to hug Reshana when he saw the Great Spirit appearing, nudging his brother, Malie pointed to where Aikane stood.
As one everyone in the coliseum bowed to the Great Spirit, then watched as he and Aikane came down the stairs and walked over to where Amaya and Turaga Anuenue stood.
When Mata Nui and Aikane reached them, he gazed around at the Toa, Turaga, Rahaga, Axonn and matoran assembled there, for several minutes the Great Spirit, smiling gently, looked at everyone then spoke.
"You have kept your faith in me through hard and difficult times," Reshana blushed as he caught her eye and winked, "I will always be near." Mata Nui said, his calm, strong voice rang around the coliseum.
Then he hugged Aikane as a glow surrounded him, "Turaga Anuenue, you seem to be missing something," I heard Him chuckle, "Here allow me." a bit of the light which now hid the Great Spirit moved to surround her shoulders, as she remembered she still hadn't found another robe.
The light transformed into a robe identical to the one Anuenue'd been forced to rip up, then everyone had to shield their eyes from the sudden brightening of the light and as it faded, everyone gave a rousing cheer.
Tahu and the others were talking with the rest of the Turaga who agreed, then turned to inform everyone else, "Seeing as the arena is set up for a party to celebrate the awakening of the Great Spirit Mata Nui, lets make it a double celebration to mark the arrival of our new friends." Tahu called out, only to be deafened by the roar of delight that echoed back.
Epilogue
It was the middle of the night and roughly half the matoran had gone to their homes with those we'd rescued and the Toa were quietly talking with those of the Toa Voya who were still there.
"That was the wildest party I've ever seen." Kokua murmured as we and Axonn sat on the steps by the crystal orb, "Wasn't it just." he chuckled, as the last of the Le-matoran bowed to the Toa and headed for some tents which had been set up outside the coliseum.
Kokua yawned, as we made our way over to the tower, where Tahu, Pohatu and Gali were waiting for us, while Tahu showed Axonn where he could rest, Pohatu grinned as he stifled a yawn and bid us good night.
"Where're Wotzit, Makeo and Wanimua?" I yawned, as Kokua and I walked with Gali to join Aikane and Amaya.
"I think Wotzit and Makeo are in the conference room and Wanimua will be roosting somewhere nearby." Gali smiled, as we passed the corridor leading to it, while Gali and Kokua waited, I quietly looked into the room and smiled on seeing Wotzit and Makeo curled up together on the couch nearest the window, while Wanimua roosted on the ledge.
"They're all asleep, like we should be." I murmured, rejoining Gali and Kokua, by now we were all yawning, it didn't take long to reach the room where our sisters rested, after hugging each other, we settled down and it didn't take long for Gali and Kokua to fall asleep.
Even though I was exhausted, I lay gazing at the lightstone shards on my staff, unable to rest, all that had taken place was racing around in my mind.
Aikane stirred as she became aware that Anuenue couldn't sleep, opening her eyes she watched her sister as she gazed at the lightstone shards on her staff.
"You're not alone, sister." Aikane whispered, switching to the Komau she'd been given earlier that evening, surprised Anuenue glanced at her, then smiled as Aikane activated her mask and coaxed Anuenue into relaxing, several minutes later Anuenue's eyes closed in sleep.
Moving to adjust the blanket over Anuenue, Aikane gently brushed her finger over Anuenue's symbol marked hand, then returned to her bed, "You've been through a lot sister, and only Father knows what our destinies are." Aikane thought settling back as her eyes closed and she returned to sleep.
In the conference room, Wotzit, Makeo and Wanimua woke briefly as the weaving suddenly brightened, sending a pulse of light throughout the tower.
A pulse of light was also emitted from the orb, spreading over Metru Nui as the Great Spirit appeared beside it, he listened to Aikane's sleepy thoughts and smiled enigmatically, before disappearing.