"How is he?"

"You healed him, so he should be all right."

Onric heard these voices as though they came from a great distance. He felt as though he was rising from a great depth. Slowly, the Toa of Fire opened his eyes. He could see two beings standing near him. As they came into focus, he smiled as he saw Lestra standing to his right. Looking to the other side of his bed, his eyes grew wide at what he saw. A Skakdi was standing at his bedside, staring down at him.

"You I thought " Onric breathed, utter shock on his face.

"Yes," said Cedrak, "I'm the Skakdi you tried to kill."

"But how why " Onric stammered.

Cedrak sighed as he answered the understood question. "I saved you because it was the right thing to do." He paused, "And because I don't let my past cloud my perception of right and wrong."

"My past " Onric murmured. After a moment, he found his voice again and said, "My past is why I tried to kill you." He stammered. "Kleria, the Toa I loved was killed by Skakdi, and when she died in my arms, I swore I'd avenge her, that I'd rid the world of the monsters that had killed her."

"Do you really think that's what she'd want?" asked Cedrak, pity filling his voice. "Do you think she wanted you to become a killer, the very thing that took her away?"

Onric's head drooped forward as tears sprang from his eyes.

"No," he sobbed, "no, she wouldn't. Oh Mata Nui, what have I done?"

Lestra sat on the bed and wrapped her weeping brother in a hug, while Cedrak placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. After a moment, Onric asked, "Lestra, do you really love him?"

Lestra looked her brother in the eyes and said, "I do, Onric, more than anything."

"Onric," said Cedrak, "I can forgive you for what you tried to do to me. All I ask is that you forgive me for what I am."

Onric shook his head. "No, you didn't choose to be a Skakdi; it isn't your fault that Kleria died. I was wrong to let my anger and prejudice lead me to do something so terrible. I know what Lestra went through when I tried to kill you, and I can't ask my sister to go through the same pain that I did." A hint of a smile crossed his lips as he turned towards Cedrak. "I never thought I'd say this, but today the Toa Tedra have a new member, a Skakdi."

"And so," said Turaga Uren as he stood atop the newly rebuilt podium in Tedra-Koro's square, "we accept Cedrak, the Skakdi, as a friend and hero. Treat him as you would treat any of the Toa who you know, for he has as much honesty and heroism in his heart as any Toa to walk this world "

As Uren continued his speech, Cedrak stood behind the Turaga with the Toa Tedra. Lestra stood next to him, holding his hand. Koth and Tivari cheered with the masses as their new teammate was motioned forward by the Turaga. Onric stood to one side, an incredulous look on his new Kanohi Calix. Never in his life would he have imagined this.

Cedrak looked out into the crowd and waved as he saw Trell and Zorkek among the Matoran masses. He looked further back and saw Redizic at the back of the crowd. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and the Aquaton gave his friend a cheery look. He was happy for him.

As the welcoming and rebuilding ceremony wound down, Cedrak went to speak with his friends.

"I'm glad to see you've found a home, Cedrak," said Redizic.

"You know, you're welcome to stay, if you like," said Lestra.

The Aquaton shook his head. "I couldn't stand being cooped up in one place for very long. Truth be told, Cedrak, I only decided to run the inn back in Zeriger to keep my powers low key. But I'm an adventurer at heart."

"Well," said Cedrak, "I hope you find excitement wherever you go."

"And we need to get going, too," said Trell.

"Yeah," Zorkek continued, "we may have left Anzer Rhun, but we still have jobs to do there. Heh, I can't wait till we try and explain to old Inrin where we've been."

Cedrak sighed as he looked at his friends. "Thank you all for helping me get this far," he said. "I don't know if I'd have made it without you three."

"We're glad we could help a friend," said Trell.

"Hey, and if you're in the neighborhood, look us up," said Zorkek.

Later that afternoon, the Matoran and Redizic said their goodbyes and boarded a ship back to Zeriger. Cedrak stood on the dock waving farewell and stood there long after the ship had disappeared into the distance. He heard a noise behind him. He turned and saw a stone rat scampering down the wharf. His eyes followed the creature until it passed by another being, Tivari. The Toa of Gravity leaned against the rail as he came up to the Skakdi.

"I know how you're feeling, Cedrak," he said. "I felt much the same way when Lestra left to find the others." He turned to his new teammate. "But don't think that you're losing your friends. You'll see them again."

"I guess you're right," sighed Cedrak. "I mean, I've gained so much."

Tivari motioned down the wharf. "Come on, pal, let's see where the Turaga have you staying."

Cedrak smiled as he made his way through the city. He thought of all he had gained over the past few days: new friends, new adventures. As he entered his new house, he was greeted by the other Toa, Koth and Onric with friendly hellos and Lestra with an affectionate hug. As the sun set over the island, he knew he had finally found what he had always wanted.

"This is my home," he thought.