Well, folks, I guess it's been a month. A lot has happened since then. Volume 9 came out, midterm and spring break came and went, and next month, RWBY x Justice League comes out and sadly it's all I'm looking forward to at this point with RWBY. I intended to watch it but then I got spoiled and things were just boring for me. Don't get me wrong, there were some great fights here and there but the overall volume is not as exciting as I thought. Hopefully, with only four more episodes left, things might change.
Also, you might have noticed I made some changes to the previous chapters. I thought it would be a nice touch to the story to provide context for the chapters. With that, let's begin.
Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan story. RWBY and Bionicle are owned By Rooster Teeth and Lego respectively and are the respective intellectual property of Monty Oum and Christian Faber, respectively. Please support the official release.
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible." – Frederick Sanger
Jaller was never one to shy away from a fight. He was right for this environment. He couldn't help but reminisce on simpler times. When the island wasn't marred by war and destruction. All around the smell of smoke and death surrounded him and his team as he stood eyeing outside of the trench he and his team dug.
"Anything yet captain?" one of his men asked, Jaller turned to the Ta-Matoran.
"Not yet, the trap still rests. Trust me, you'll know when something happens." Jaller answered. The captain of the Guard returned to keeping his watch and listened.
"All I'm saying is that I've never faced something like that before. Most of the monsters I fight where I'm from don't have tank treads for back legs." a distant voice said.
"And what makes these Grimm you fight so special?" another voice questioned.
"Well, there are hundreds of them for one and two, they travel in groups. Sometimes a few dozen strong. Plus, their alphas are usually the ones who've lived the longest. They're also the smartest in a horde." the first voice answered.
"I see, so you think there might be som-"
Jaller couldn't hear the rest as a loud noise from behind frightened him. He turned around fast to see Kapura with his back turned from the campfire embarrassed. Jaller put a finger over his yellow Hau as if to tell him to keep quiet. The two voices were much louder from what he was hearing and quickly returned to his post.
That's when he saw them, two tall beings walking toward them in conversation. They were unaware of what was about to happen.
"So how do you suppose these Grimm become so widespread? It seems strange that they would be all over your world yet we haven't met a single on-" the taller figure with a mask and red eye's sentence was cut short as sharp sticks erupted from the ground trapping him and his companion inside.
"What the hell?" the second figure asked as she stood back to back with the taller figure.
"Looks like some sort of trap." the first figure said
"You think, hot head?" the second figure replied.
This was it. Another Rahi for the slaughter.
"Everyone, up and out now! We've got two today!"
Tahu was not happy. His first encounter with Yang was not something he expected to happen. He was stuck having pointless conversations rather than paying attention to where they were so they could find answers about this place.
Then the small warriors came out and began waving spears as some kind of war chant. Yang, meanwhile, stood behind him as they were cramped back-to-back amidst the cage of sticks
"Well, isn't this a fine mess to get stuck in." Yang said,
"Maybe we wouldn't have fallen for it if we were being mindful of our surroundings." Tahu remarked.
"Hey, it's not like this was a net you could uncover." Yang retorted
"Well, either way, there's only one way out." Tahu said. Yang smirked
"Oh, it's so on! 10 Lien says I bust more heads than you." Yang said as she activated Ember Celica. Tahu smirked.
"Not sure what that is but you're on." Tahu answered. The Toa of Fire heated his sword and cut the stick in half while Yang shot the few remaining sticks of the trap in front of her to smithereens.
The Ta-Matoran stood still in surprise that Tahu and Yang freed themselves. Yang and Tahu took battle stances ready to defend themselves.
Jaller was stunned, the figures had freed themselves with the elements. Could they be…?
No, not right now. We need to end this. Jaller thought. He could reflect on this notion later. He turned to his men and one of them shrugged. Jaller turned back and looked at the figures before him. Jaller's eyes narrowed.
"Looks like it's now or never, take them down, Guardsmen!" Jaller declare as he jumped out of the trench, spear in hand, and led the charge.
"For Ta-Koro!" Jaller cried with his men repeating it as they charged towards their perceived enemy. The red and orange figure raised his glowing sword ready to strike while the strange creature with it raised a pair of armored fists against their charge.
Jaller had expected something like this. He had anticipated the possibility of never returning home to protect Ta-Koro from Makuta and his Rahi and he accepted that. He was willing to do what needed to be done not only for the sake of Ta-Koro but for all of Mata Nui. As he was mere inches away a familiar voice cried out behind him.
"Desist!" a familiar voice cried out. Everyone, even the two creatures turned to the sight of a red and orange figure wearing white robes with the symbol of Ta-Koro on his back. In his hand was a fire staff with a gem that glowed and burned as bright as an ember. Jaller and his fellow Ta-Koro Guard recognized this elder and bowed at their elder.
"Turaga Vakama, what are you doing here? It's not safe." Jaller said. Turaga Vakama walked next to him. He smiled softly as he stared at the warrior.
"'Not safe'? No, Jaller here we are safer than we ever would be in Ta-Koro." Vakama replied. The Turaga walked forward between the Guard and the two "Rahi".
To Jaller and the company of Guardsmen's, the warrior's and creature's surprise, Turaga Vakama bowed before the warrior in reverence.
"Forgive them mighty Toa, they are merely doing their duty to protect our home. I am Vakama Turaga of Ta-Koro. I welcome you, Tahu, Toa of Fire. You, and your friend."
Jaller was stunned. He looked at his men and saw for the first time a renewed sense of hope and deep down, whilst a pragmatist himself, he also found hope in this moment as he was grateful to have been stopped for once by Vakama. Jaller smiled and bowed at the Toa.
As for Tahu and the creature who accompanied him. They stared in confusion and surprise which was further enhanced when he and other members of the Guard began to celebrate. Some joined Vakama and bowed in reverence to Tahu while others raised their spears once more. Only this time, the gesture was not intimidation.
Rather, they were raised in celebration.
Onua looked around as Blake marveled at the sight of Onu-Koro. So far, they were safe and no one seemed to want to harm them. As they observed the park they found themselves in, Onua spotted one of the villagers walking by and waved to him.
"Excuse Me!" Onua called out to the villager. The villager stopped as he looked around to listen.
"Hello there, friend!" Onua called again. The villager turned in their direction and saw Onua and Blake.
"Oh! Oh, oh." the villager replied. His mask was a purple version of the mask Onua wore with black and purple armor and green eyes. He ran to the Toa and huntress.
Blake and Onua frowned, they must have spoken a different language from them. Onua knelt down knelt down to meet his gaze.
"Hel – lo." Onua said slowly. He pointed to himself.
"Me – Onua." Onua pointed at the villager.
"Who – you? Do – you – understand –me?" Onua asked.
"Oh, yes!" the villager replied. He hurriedly bowed before him.
"Oh, Toa Onua! It is an honor to meet you. We the people of Onu-Koro have waited for a long time for your arrival. Please, come – Turaga Whenua will want to meet you." he said excitedly. The villager led them into the village towards another tunnel.
"You seem to have me at a loss. You know my name but I do not know yours." Onua said. The villager's eyes widened.
"Oh! my apologies, Toa. My name is Onepu, a Matoran of Onu-Koro. I trust your journey was well. You must have many questions." answered the villager. "I do, I don't remember anything before waking on this island except my name. I have abilities I know nothing about and I know not what my purpose here is."
Onepu smiled.
"I understand. You are not the only one. There are others like you out there. The Turaga has the answers you seek. He is more informed on the legend than I am." Onepu said. Onepu then looked at Blake as they approached the village.
"What is your name, warrior?" Onepu asked. Blake looked at the Onu-Matoran.
"Me?" Blake asked pointing to herself.
"Yes. I know Onua's name and you know mine, but I do not know yours." Onepu replied. Blake obliged Onepu's understandable request.
"Blake." she replied.
"Well then, hello Blake. It's a pleasure to meet you." Onepu said. He turned back around to look at the exit of the tunnel.
"Here we are, welcome to Onu-Koro." Onepu said. Onua and Blake followed the Onu-Matoran into the underground village. However, "city" would be a much more fitting description for Onu-Koro.
The domes that made up some kind of homes were lit by the crystals that she had been seeing so far.
"How do you survive down here?" Blake asked
"We Onu-Matoran are miners by trade We mine for resources and to build Highways around the island. To survive we trade with the other villages. We protect ourselves and illuminate Onu-Koro with light stones such as you can see." Onepu replied. Blake got the picture. She looked around and couldn't help but be reminded of the dust she had on hand. She and Onua continued to marvel at the village as they passed by stone kiosks selling what little goods were in stock before crossing a nearby bridge.
The trio arrived outside a large home, bigger than the rest in Onu-Koro. Onepu turned to Onua and Blake.
"Please wait here. I would stay but I must return to my post, the Ussalry is about to go on another patrol." Onepu said and began to walk away.
"Is it alright if I come with you?" Blake asked. Onepu turned back.
"With all due respect Ms. Blake, while I believe you're a warrior of great renown if you travel with Onua. I also believe the Turaga might have a more important task for you and Onua. It would be best if you stayed here. I would love for you to join us but your skills could be put to better use alongside Onua. I'm sorry." Onepu regrettably said. Blake was used to rejection and was aware of being turned down because of who she was, she was not used to someone saying that in the tone Onepu used. As he continued to walk away, Blake took hold of her left arm and waited.
Onua for his part found a bench for them to sit on for the time being. The two looked around and saw a stream of crystal clear water that flowed under the bridge they just crossed and followed it to a fountain. Blake and Onua both blinked at the sight of the fountain. To their surprise, the fountain bore an uncanny resemblance to the Toa of Earth. They continued to look at the fountain until they heard the sound of someone approaching from behind. Them. Blake and Onua turned around to see a figure of black and gray armor. He was half Onua's height and in addition to the black and gray armor of his peers. The figure had a different mask and wielded a staff with a drill bit of some kind at the top. His green eyes were similar to that of Onua's and they conveyed a sense of wisdom and patience to Blake. This was Turaga Whenua
The new figure smiled at Onua.
"I am Whenua, Turaga of Onu-Koro. We have been expecting you, Onua." The Turaga said.
"So I hear. And I've been waiting to find a clue as to why I'm here." Onua answered.
"The legends said this would be so." Whenua said. The Turaga looked at Blake.
"You, however, are just as fascinating. Humans have not been seen here for many years. You must have undergone quite the journey." Whenua said.
"You have no idea." Blake replied. Whenua chuckled.
"Turaga, we are honored to make your acquaintance." Onua said as he bowed in reverence. Blake soon gave her own bow to show respect to the village elder.
"Please, no need to bow. I am not usually one for formalities. Besides, the honor is mine." Whenua replied.
"Come, you must have many questions. I will tell you all that I can." Whenua said. The Turaga began to walk back to his hutt.
Inside were many light stones and a carving of Onua's mask on top of a shrine. The Toa of Earth and the cat Faunus marveled at the sight before them as Whenua took a seat.
"Sit, we have a lot to discuss and very little time." Whenua said
Onua and Blake took their seats.
The journey to Ko-Koro was a long one. The blizzard was gone thanks to Kopaka's power of ice. However, the journey was made easier thanks to Weiss's semblance. The glyphs she summoned would help the trio across major gaps. Not only saving time but also making the trip much faster.
Matoro told them of Turaga Nuju and his decision to speak in clicks and whistles and the reason for his decision to do so as a test of patience.
"Does he have someone to help translate for us? I understand his decision to speak the way he does and I don't mean any disrespect, but I don't think we can understand clicks and whistles." Weiss said concerned.
"Turaga Nuju has taught me how he speaks. I accompany him except when I am out on a hunt such as I was today. I will translate for you." Matoro answered. Weiss sighed in relief.
"That's good. I'd hate to listen and not know a thing." Weiss said.
"Why is that?" Kopaka asked.
"Something I was taught by my father early on." Weiss replied albeit slower than normal.
"What's a father?" Matoro asked. Weiss nearly lost concentration as the glyphs Kopaka and Weiss were standing on, respectively briefly shrank before growing back to their original size.
Thankfully, they were at the other side when she did and after a few paces, she, Kopaka, and Matoro were on solid ground. Weiss turned to Matoro.
"I'm sorry?" Weiss asked.
"What's a father?" Matoro asked again. Weiss wondered what to say next. She hadn't been asked this question before but felt that she would encounter it eventually. Weiss then turned to the Ko-Matoran
"Well, a father is someone who takes care of you and helps raise you when you're a kid until you grow up." Weiss said.
"'Grow up'?" Matoro asked confused.
"You know, grow up, to become a mature adult."
Matoro only seemed more confused at Weiss's answer still.
"You mean like the Rahi?" Matoro asked innocently
"No, I mean as in you, personally. Like, you grow, you learn, and you go out into the world and make a name for yourself." Weiss answered.
"We don't age, only the Rahi do that." Matoro answered. Weiss's eyes widened in shock. Her cold exterior gave way to the surprise.
"How old are you?" Weiss exclaimed and she immediately covered her mouth at her crass question.
"I'm sorry, I-" Weiss tried to apologize
"Understandable, from what Nuju has allowed me to tell others, humans had concepts foreign to us. As I said we do not age, however, my lifetime's journey has gone on for more than one thousand years. I guess you could say I am over one thousand years old in terms of your species." Matoro answered politely. Clearly not bothered by the question much to Weiss' relief and surprise. As they began to walk up the mountain again, Weiss turned to Matoro with one question lingering in her mind.
"Wait, you said we 'had' concepts and that we haven't been to this island in a millennium. Why is that?" Weiss asked
"I do not know, the Turaga are the guardians of the history of Mata Nui and have knowledge that I do not know. You would probably fair better with Turaga Nuju." Matoro answered.
As the trio reached the top of the climb, they came across a pathway guarded by two Ko-Matoran in white and gray armor wielding a pick axe of ice. Matoro greeted the guards and requested permission to pass for all three. The guards accepted and let them pass. As they made it passed the entrance, the Matora, Toa, and huntress found themselves in front of a village made of ice and snow with some light stones to provide light to the residence home at night.
"Welcome to Ko-Koro, my home." Matoro said. Weiss stared in wonder at the sight of Ko-Koro. Each hut looked like a work of art as she walked forward. The ice was sculpted in such a way it was almost artistic. As she walked with Kopaka and Matoro, Weiss notice the Matoran all staring and whispering to each other. The sight unnerved her. While she was used to people talking about her quietly, the fact that this was happening in a public location made her nervous.
The three continued onwards past the huts and toward a hill of snow, at the top, there was a temple of some sort made up of ice and it towered over them all. As they approached, Kopaka couldn't help but what this temple was for.
By the time they reached the top and went inside. The group could only stare at their surroundings. The hall they were in was held up by pillars of ice. Each was carved with patterns she had never seen before. She assumed it was a language of some kind. Although she couldn't read them, they were of some major significance.
Soon, Weiss, Kopaka, and Matoro entered the inner sanctum of the temple. A tall circular room with more patterns carved into the walls. In the center was a shrine with Kopaka's mask carved into the wall over a small fire. Before it stood a white and gray figure. He wore white robes and white and gray armor and wielded an ice pick as if it were a staff. Matoro approached the figure.
"Turaga Nuju, I have returned and I have brought some people you should meet." Matoro said. The Turaga turned slowly and looked at Kopaka and Weiss.
Weiss bowed to the Turaga who looked at her. His ice-blue eyes stared at her as if they were examining her, seeing into her heart. Yet at the same time, she sensed they were filled with great wisdom and compassion. Nuju then turned and bowed to Kopaka to his and Weiss's surprise.
Nuju then began to click and whistle at them which Matoro listened intently.
"Nuju welcomes you to the Ko-Koro. He says he is eager to speak with you both." Matoro translated.
Yang's first impression of Ta-Koro was that it resembled more of a fortified city than a village. Upon arriving at the gate, Jaller entered the winch room and a bridge arose from the lava. Jaller and his guardsmen stayed behind to remain at their posts while Yang and Tahu followed Turaga Vakama to his hut inside Ta-Koro. Ta-Koro was a buzzing, volcanic metropolis. Several huts were built along a central avenue that led to a tunnel lit by torches. Vakama walked into one of these huts where Yang and Tahu followed inside.
In the center of the hut was a large firepit where a large flame burned bright. Mounted on the wall directly behind the fire was a carving of Tahu's mask on the top of the wall. To the right was a stone desk with candles placed on the top and to the left was an open window. A stone bench was placed before the flame while Vakama stoked and cared for the fire. The Turaga turned to the Toa and the huntress.
"Sit," the Turaga said
"You are my guests. Rest your feet and speak. I will listen and I will tell you all I can."
Yang was the first to speak.
"I don't mean to be rude but what is going on? I don't know where I am, whether my friends are dead or alive, or even if I can get back home?" she asked bluntly. Vakama looked at Yang.
"You are a stranger in a strange land indeed. This is the island of Mata Nui; named in honor of the Great Spirit. As for how you can leave this place, I am uncertain. The answer probably lies with Turaga Nuju in Ko-Koro." Vakama answered. He then turned to Tahu.
"However, there is a matter that we must discuss. As you are undoubtedly aware, Tahu, your coming was foretold in prophecy."
"What do you mean 'foretold in prophecy?" Tahu asked. Yang was as equally confused at the idea. How could Tahu's coming be foretold and what about her? The Turaga turned to the fire in the middle of the hut.
"It what was written. This island was once a beautiful place. Now we and the rest of Mata Nui must fight to survive the Rahi that Makuta torments us with." Vakama answered.
"Who?" Tahu asked. Yang for a moment thought back to the giant cat she fought in the charred forest.
"The Makuta, an ancient evil that has plagued our people for a thousand years," Vakama said.
"Wait, does he have like a rusty and pitted mask-face thing like Tahu's over a black shrouded mist?" Yang asked. Vakama was stunned at her question. He walked toward Yang.
"How do you know this?" Vakama asked. Yang looked to the side as she remembered.
"Before Tahu and I met you, we faced this tiger-like… thing out in that forest. One of its masks was covered in rust and pitted. At one point I got on its back and it looked at me and then I saw this thing. Like a shadow with only a mask and two yellow eyes. They reminded me of the Grimm, monsters I fight back home but, this thing felt darker. Like it was staring directly at me and then I just felt this inexplicably overwhelming sense of fear. Why? Is something wrong with me?" Yang said. Vakama sighed and shook his head.
"Do not worry young one, you are perfectly fine. What you saw was the Makuta influence on the Rahi, we call it Muaka. Normally, Makuta keeps Muaka paired with Kane-Ra, a bull Rahi and they rarely step into the charred forest. As for that mask, Makuta controls the Rahi through infected kanohi masks." the Turaga explained.
"So, Makuta controls the Rahi with these infected masks?" Tahu asked. Vakama nodded.
"Precisely," Vakama answered.
"But what does this have to do with me and this so prophecy you talked about?" Tahu asked.
"Perhaps to best explain this, I should start from the beginning." Vakama said. The Turaga turned to the fire and with his fire staff manipulated the smoke and flame. Vakama spoke as images appeared before them.
"In a time before time, the Great Spirit descended from the heavens, carrying we the ones called the Matoran, to this paradise." from the flames, an image of a sand pit appeared as a giant stone of white with a stoic expression fell from the sky. Then six sets of four pebbles came out of the large stone and floated in midair.
"We were separate and without purpose. So, the Great Spirit illuminated us with the three virtues." The pebbles floated down and built six pyramids. One for each set of four. Vakama raised his staff as the smoke became an asymmetrical symbol where two crescents overlapped each other and in the middle were three circles in between them. The Turaga spoke again.
"Unity," the flame drew closer to one of the circles as if it were a ray of light.
"Duty," the same happened to another.
"And Destiny." the flames drew closer to the circle in the center and seemed to shine down on the stones.
"We embraced these gifts, and in gratitude, we named our island home, Mata Nui, after the Great Spirit himself," Vakama said. Yang watched the tale unfold in almost a sense of wonder and amazement. However, Tahu noticed something. The symbol made by the smoke disappeared and the flames seemed to part as something came hurling down.
"but our happiness was not to last." Vakama said grimly.
As Whenua spoke, the very ground before them seemed to move with every word. Acting out his tale verbatim with the stacked pebbles beginning to collapse while others began to shake.
"For Mata Nui's brother, the Makuta was jealous of the honors and betrayed him." Blake watched as roots from the ground shot from a large black stone with a menacing face and strangled the white stone.
"Casting a spell over Mata Nui, who fell into a deep slumber." Whenua narrated. The vines smacked the stone which fell and soon began to sink into the ground. A pair of green lights emanated from the "eyes" grew dim and faded away. As the stone representing Mata Nui sank, the various pebbles, now scattered began to draw towards the Mata Nui stone as if cowering from the black rock that represented Makuta.
"The Makuta was free to unleash his shadows. And unleash them, he did." Whenua spoke.
Onua and Blake watched as smaller black stones emerged around the Makuta stone as if guarding him as well as advancing forward on the various pebbles.
"Makuta's power dominated the land, as fields withered away, sunlight grew cold, and ancient values were forgotten."
More dark rocks grew as they began to surround the pebbles and prepared to move in.
The walls of the sanctum showed the pebbles surrounded on all sides by the jagged rocks as if they were a window into a distant past. Weiss couldn't help but feel concerned for them and yet, there was something familiar about this tale. The roof began to flash and down flew a white stone and landed among the rocks.
The moment it hit the ground, hundreds of the black rocks disintegrated and left an open circle with a smooth white stone in the center. Turaga Nuju clicked and whittled as the roof flashed again and more white stones fell down and disintegrated more of the black rocks.
"Yet all was not lost, for it is foretold that one day, six heroes, the Toa, will come to Mata Nui and rescue the Matoran from the shadows and confront Makuta to save the island." Matoro translated. By now, many of the black rocks had vanished and six white stones surrounded a handful of black rocks protecting the Makuta stone. One by one, each of the smaller stones turned to dust and grew fewer by the minute until only the Makuta stone remained. Nuju clicked and whistled again which Matoro followed with the translation.
"United the Toa will do their duty and fulfill their destiny to awaken the Great Spirit, and restore peace to this island of Mata Nui."
The Makuta stone began to crack and fragment as if it were about to crumble. Then, as suddenly as the cracks appeared, the Makuta stone imploded in a flash of bright light and was no more.
"Thus, is the legend of Mata Nui and the Toa."
The fire died down and returned to the flame it was before. Yang and Tahu sat in silence. Both were unsure of what to say next.
"So let me get this straight, your island is being terrorized by this "Makuta" and he's the only one who can defeat him?" Yang asked
"Not exactly," Vakama points his fire staff at Tahu.
"Tahu is one of six heroes two defeat Makuta and liberate our island," Vakama said. Tahu stands up.
"Well then, that shouldn't be too hard, I just have to find the other Toa and then we go and defeat Makuta, right? So let's get to." Tahu said. Yang smiles.
"Now your talking. Combine all six of you with my abilities and this Makuta doesn't stand a chance." Yang says while punching her hand and cracking her knuckles.
"Your eagerness is admirable. But I'm afraid that your powers alone will not be enough." Vakama cautions. Yang groans.
"What do you mean?" Tahu asks.
"To truly defeat Makuta, you must first acquire six kanohi masks and master each and every one of them. Each of you already wears one of the masks you must find. Now, you all must unite and seek out the other masks that you all must wield."
"Okay, so what masks do we find," Yang asked. Vakama turns his attention to Yang.
"Tahu already wears the Great Kanohi Hau, the Mask of Shielding. He and the other Toa must find the other five masks they will need to defeat this great evil." Vakama turns to Tahu again and walks towards the Toa of Fire.
"The other masks are scattered throughout the island. To know what you are looking for. Meet with your brothers and sister in arms, your fellow Toa, and you will know which masks to find for each of you has but one of the masks to find." Vakama says. The Turaga walks to his stone desk.
"And these masks are?" Tahu asked. Vakama pulls out a satchel with a piece of paper inside it Vakama approached Tahu.
"They are the Kanohi Miru, the Great Mask of Levitation; the Kanohi Kaukau, the Great Mask of Water breathing; the Kanohi Akaku, the Great Mask of X-Ray Vision; the Kanohi Pakari, the Great Mask of Strength; and the Kanohi Kakama, the Great Mask of Speed. Once you find these masks and master them, you will be able to stand with your fellow Toa and finally face Makuta and deal with him once and for all." Vakama answered and handed Tahu the satchel.
"Take the map within with you and you will find the Kanohi but, be warned, Makuta has tormented us for a thousand years. He controls many things on this island. You and your friend have experienced first hand, Makuta's influence on the Rahi is powerful but only by removing the infected Kanohi can they be freed." the Turaga explained.
"I see, thank you Turaga." Tahu said. The Toa motioned for Yang to follow him and the two prepared to leave.
"Toa Tahu, may I speak with your friend first. There is something I need to discuss with her." Turaga Vakama asked. Yang and Tahu looked at each other. They exchanged no words but none were needed. Tahu looked to Vakama.
"Sure, Yang, meet me at the entrance to the Koro when you're done." the Toa said annoyed.
"Will do." Yang replied. Tahu left Vakama's hut while Yang sat back down. The Turaga sighed.
"You said you had something to tell me?" Yang asked,
"Yes, I am concerned." Vakama answered. Yang looked confused
"Concerned about what? All Tahu and these other "Toa" just have to find the masks kick Makuta's butt and we all go home. It seems simple enough." Yang countered.
"Tell me, what is your name?" Vakama asks.
"Yang" she replied casually. Vakama nodded in acknowledgment.
"Yang, have you been referred to as a 'sun dragon'?" Vakama asked. Yang grew uncomfortable. She never told the Turaga that nickname.
"How do you know that?" Yang asked. Vakama did not respond.
"I will ask again, have you been referred to as a 'sun dragon'?" Vakama walked forward and stood before Yang.
"I cannot say more unless you tell me you have or have not," Vakama said. Yang wanted to leave but felt that she couldn't. She needed answers and this man or cyborg might be her answer. If she left, she might not find out where her teammates are, however, the tone of the atmosphere had changed dramatically from the warm hut it was before.
"Yes." Yang said worriedly. Vakama backed away slowly and looked towards the flame.
"From the last thing you remember before you arrived on this island, was there anyone with you?" Vakama asked. Yang's worry only grew.
"Yes." Yang said
Vakama closed his eyes and lowered his head. Vakama looked back at Yang slowly and gripped his staff with both hands. The Turaga looked at Yang with concern. Vakama spoke.
"I had a vision not long after the prophecy of the Toa was written. I saw four maskless warriors would arrive on Mata Nui. These four warriors, the Snow Queen, the Traveler, the Sun Dragon, and the Child of Mata Nui will bring down the Great Barrier and bring our island home into a large and strange world that has been lost to us since time immemorial." Vakama said.
"Do you know where I can find them?" Yang asks. The Turaga shook his head.
"I'm sorry but I cannot. This information has not been written. What I have told you is all that I and my fellow Turaga know. For we were only given what will happen, not how it will happen." Vakama said.
"But my friends are alive?" Yang asked
"Perhaps, if you are indeed the Sun Dragon, then your friends are on this island too." Vakama answered.
I'll take what I can get. Yang thought. Even if it wasn't much, the possibility of her sister and team being alive was more than enough.
"However, I must warn you, if the Child is here, the. She is in grave danger." Vakama warned. Yang's hope turned to worry.
"Danger from what?" Yang asked.
"A Child of Mata Nui is capable of using a great and ancient power meant for good but like all great power, there are those who seek it for evil intent. Such is the case with Makuta. If one of your friends is indeed this Child of Legend, then the Makuta will seek them. This island is not only our home. It is also Makuta's prison. If he finds the Child then he might use them to free himself and leave the island. This cannot happen or his shadow and his evil will escape his prison and spread beyond our island." Vakama explained.
"Wait, this island is Makuta's prison?!" Yang shouted. Vakama shushed her in a panic.
"Keep your voice down. If the Matoran hear you, this may cause panic. I cannot say more
"Then that's it? We just sit back and do nothing?" Yang said with slight frustration.
"No, you cannot sit idly by. If the Toa fail, then this island will be destroyed and the Child will be lost. You and your team are here to bring unity between your world and mine. In our first hour of hope, you and Tahu are key to a bright and beautiful future. You must act and aid the Toa. This is part of your destiny." Vakama said. Yang was glad that she wasn't being sidelined. She'd hate to give this Makuta a proper beatdown.
"Good to know. Thanks, Turaga." Yang replied.
"You are most welcome, Yang?" Vakama said. The blonde huntress stood up and began to leave but paused. Yang turned her head.
"Turaga," Vakama turned to Yang as she stood at the door.
"I know you told me what I need to know but, can you answer this one question?" Yang asked. Vakama stayed silent for a moment.
"I can do my best," Vakama said as he took a few steps toward Yang to listen.
"The Child you talked about. Is there anything that you know about her specifically?" Yang asked. Hopeful that she would get the answer she was looking for.
"I don't have much but one thing I know is that she wields a great and ancient power," Vakama answered. Yang smiled. It wasn't an exact answer but it was just what she needed.
"I see, thank you Turaga. I'll keep that in mind." Yang said
"Safe travel Sun Dragon and may Tahu protect you." Vakama replied. Yang returned to leave as Vakama tended to the fire in his hut. Yang walked up the main avenue and saw Tahu leaning against the gate. Thinking back on the Turaga's words, she looked at the Toa of Fire and simply gazed at the warrior. Granted he wasn't her type but she wouldn't argue if there wasn't something to enjoy. Tahu saw her approach the gate.
"Ready to go?" Yang asked,
"Been ready for 15 minutes, let's roll." Tahu said and the two began to cross the bridge and leave the city.
Yang was eager to get going, if what Vakama said was correct then her friends were alive, and more importantly, so was her sister and she had to find her and fast. With that, one thought rang through her head at that moment.
Don't worry Ruby, I'm coming to find you.
Tahu and Yang then crossed the bridge and vanished into the charred forest.
Weiss and Kopaka continued up Mt. Ihu in silence. Matoro stayed behind at Ko-Koro as it was his duty as a translator to remain. This left Weiss and Kopaka free to leave and journey to the "place of far-seeing" Nuju told them about. Weiss was not chatty but the silence felt uncomfortable. This was only further added by Nuju's words about her and her team and how Ruby might be the fable "Child of Mata Nui" the Turaga told her about. If she was alive, Weiss had to make sure she was safe and the rest of her team got back together quickly. First, however, they had to reach the top of Mt. Ihu and reach their destination.
Still, she couldn't stand the silence anymore and spoke.
"Anything you remember before you came here?" Weiss asked.
"No," Kopaka replied. The Toa of Ice continued to walk and didn't turn his head to Weiss when he answered. Irking the manner Kopaka replied to her question.
"Is there something you like?" Weiss asked.
"Solitude," Kopaka answered. Weiss grew more agitated
"Is there something I said or did that won't make you look at me when I'm talking to you?" Weiss asked.
"No." Kopaka said.
"Then just look at me when you answer. It's rude not to look at someone you're talking to." Weiss said. Kopaka paused and turned around to look at the heiress.
"I just want to find these masks and get this over with." Kopaka states coldly.
"And any idea what you'll do after?" Weiss was not having the Toa of Ice's cold response and her tone only added to it.
"No, I'd rather focus on the task at hand. So let's do that. The sooner we find the masks the better." Kopaka replied. He then heard rumbling like thunder but saw no storm.
"Then can you at least talk to me like a human being?!" Weiss shouted. Her voice echoed across the mountain. She then covered her mouth remembering where they were. She heard the thundering sound soon after and braced for impact. Kopaka rushed toward Weiss to protect her. That's when they heard it.
"Watch out!" a warrior shouted. Too late.
Weiss and Kopaka were covered up to their torsos, not in snow but in rock.
Standing over the rocks was another warrior like Kopaka. However, unlike the Toa of Ice's white and grey armor, this warrior wore brown and tan armor with a black armor-plated hand. His brown mechanical feet were outfitted with tan feet additions that seemed to allow him to shatter rocks. His eyes were a pinkish red and the mask on his face had two large sections for a pair of vents on each section on the bottom of the mask and one vent on the top. The warrior stood over them innocently.
"Sorry about that, I was practicing. Are you alright?" The warrior asked
"I would be if you weren't standing on me. Though you should probably ask her." Kopaka said, looking at Weiss. Weiss looked at the warrior standing on the rocks. Although she was relieved she hadn't caused an avalanche, she was still startled by what just transpired. The warrior walked toward Weiss.
"Hello there, sorry about the mess. Are you alright?" The warrior asked smiling.
"A little shaken but I think I'm alright," Weiss answered.
"I see, at least you aren't injured. Do you need a hand?" The warrior asked.
"I would appreciate that," Weiss said. The warrior tapped his foot and the stones slowly rolled off of Weiss. The ice queen looked intrigued at the warrior's ability to move the rocks with his feet in much the same way Kopaka's sword and shield let him control ice. The warrior held out his hand and Weiss grabbed on and was on her feet. The heiress dusted herself off.
"There you go." The warrior said.
"Thank you," Weiss replied. The warrior gave a smile.
"You're welcome." The warrior said. He turned to Kopaka.
"Now then, let's get you out of there." The warrior said.
"Thank you, I don't need help," Kopaka said.
"Let me do it, it'll be faster." The warrior insisted
"I said," Kopaka raised his sword as the stones turned to ice around Kopaka and the ice began to shatter around him.
"I can free myself." Kopaka finished. As he climbed out. Another stone began to tumble down and the warrior took notice.
"Yeah well…" the warrior looked at Kopaka. He ran towards the stone as the others quickly noticed.
"You missed one." The warrior said. The warrior began to accelerate and just as he was inches away from the boulder, the warrior kicked it with all his might, and the boulder was sent flying and just as quickly as it started to fly, the boulder vanished from view. Weiss looked shocked at the warrior's action. Kopaka's weapon seemed like a good explanation for his ability to control ice as he might favor ice dust but she saw no dust batteries or ammo to do it and wondered how he did it. This warrior, on the other hand, had no weapons on his person and with one kick sent a boulder as big as him hurling off the mountain and beyond the horizon.
Just who were these people?
The warrior turned to her and Kopaka.
"Well then, with that out of the way, I believe I should introduce myself, my name's Pohatu. I hope the accident didn't sour your opinion of me." the warrior said.
"Not at all, my name is Weiss." Weiss answered.
"Kopaka," Kopaka said. Pohatu smiled.
"Pleased to meet you both. Now, I believe you were making your way up the mountain when I saw you, correct?" Pohatu asked.
"To the place of far-seeing." Kopaka coldly answered and began to climb up the mountain. Weiss was getting more annoyed with Kopaka's attitude but Pohatu didn't seem to notice.
"What are we waiting for? Let's get going." Pohatu said and began to climb. Weiss soon joined next to Pohatu. With the path destroyed, climbing was all they had left.
"So, Weiss, what brings you out here?" Pohatu asked.
"I'm looking for some people," Weiss said.
"Friends of yours?" Pohatu asked. Weiss smirked.
"In a way, though there I wouldn't call them just friends." Weiss said
"Ah, I see. Then what else would you call them aside from friends?" Pohatu asked. Weiss paused. She never thought about that. Sure they were her teammates and her friends but is that all they were. They hadn't been a team very long but for the time they were, it felt less like more than a friendship that she shared with them.
"I'm not sure, we're a team but I feel like we're more than that. I just don't know what." Weiss answered. Pohatu looked down for a moment as if contemplating what to say next, he looked at Weiss again.
"How about, family?" Pohatu asked. Weiss stopped her climb and looked at Pohatu. Weiss thought about his suggestion and it seemed to fit quite well but, why did it not feel right? At, least not at the moment.
"I, I don't know," Weiss answered. Pohatu seemed puzzled at her response.
"Maybe you still need to find out. Perhaps your time here will give you the answers you seek." Pohatu replied. He gave Weiss a smile who gave a gentle one of her own. Pohatu began to climb again and Weiss followed behind.
They quickly caught up with Kopaka and were right below him.
Listen, Kopaka, I think we're here for the same reason. Why not team up? It would make things easier." Pohatu said. Kopaka stayed silent as he climbed. Not bothering to look at Weiss and Pohatu.
"I work alone." The Toa of Ice answered.
"By choice, or just 'cause no one can stand you?" Pohatu asked Weiss smirked.
"All right, come along. After all, I might need a mountain moved or the island lifted" Kopaka said. Weiss glared at the Toa of Ice.
The three journeyed in silence for another 15 minutes until they reached a walkable slope near the top of the mountain. Kopaka got up on his feet first. Weiss followed suit and Pohatu brought the rear. After a brief walk up, the three made it to the top of the mountain.
"Looks like we've made it," Kopaka said.
"It's a place of far-seeing alright," Pohatu said.
"You can see the whole island from up here," Kopaka said. The Toa of ice looked down and two his right was a mask with several vents on the side and a vent on top. In the middle was a hole for a mouth. The mask he sought was within his reach. Kopaka reached for the mask and put it on. Immediately, he felt energy surge around him. As if a barrier was suddenly protecting him and those nearby. Strangely, his original mask was not lost.
I can feel the power of this mask protecting me. Kopaka thought. He then opted to move to try and use his original mask and to his wonder, he found it worked just as it originally did.
Yet the powers of the mask of vision are still mine to use. Kopaka thought. Weiss looked out beyond the horizon and stared wide-eyed at what she saw. Kopaka turned to the huntress but noticed she was fixated on something and seemed to start moving forward.
Kopaka followed her gaze and his eyes widened at what he saw. Kopaka ran to Weiss and had her duck.
"Hey, what-" Weiss was cut off by a quiet shushing expression from Kopaka.
Kopaka turned to Pohatu.
"We have to go. Now."
"Why?" Pohatu asked
"No questions. Just follow us." Kopaka said he looked at the heiress.
"Keep your head down," Kopaka said, Weiss nodded. For the first time in a long while she finally saw a ray of hope. However, she couldn't help but feel worried about what she saw.
The three quickly made their way down the mountain.
"What did you see?" Pohatu asked
"Strangers, beings of great power. And they're not alone…" Kopaka answered. The three reached a short cliff-side just above the group Kopaka and Weiss saw.
"...But are they allies, or enemies?" Kopaka wondered. Weiss lay on the cliff with their head visibly looking over the edge.
Below were four more warriors. Tahu and Onua were among them and they were accompanied by two other warriors like them. One was various shades of green and wielded a green axe. His masked allowed air to move freely and reduce the possibility of drag in the air. The other was various shades of blue and wielded a pair of blue climbing hooks. This warrior, however, was more feminine than the other Toa. Her mask was similar to that of a scuba diver and strands of black hair with glowing yellow tips flowed down her back and shoulders like streams of water. Both had yellowish-green eyes. Weiss looked among the group and to her joy, she saw them. Weiss got up and slid down a nearby slope and garnering the attention of the Toa and huntresses below.
"Weiss?!" Yang exclaimed.
The joy was clearly evident on their faces. Not only were they alive they were safe.
"What happened? You actually look like an ice queen now." Yang said
"Long story. Though I met up with some friends." Weiss said looking at the group of Toa and then at Kopaka.
"Well, at least one of them is," Weiss said.
"Does he need to chill out? Eh?" Yang joked.
Weiss and Blake rolled their eyes in annoyance.
"Well, at least we know you made it safe," Blake said. Weiss gave a smile in response.
"Now, what's this about an underground city and a volcanic fortress you two found?" Weiss asked.
The huntresses continued to talk to each other about their recent exploits unaware that the green-armored warrior, Lewa was looking right at them.
"The life dawns seem to be getting along well," Lewa said.
"At least they can get along," Tahu said.
"I'm surprised they can stand Weiss." Kopaka
"She seems to operate a lot like you Kopaka." the blue-armored Toa, Gali, replied. Kopak looked at her.
"No, I don't." Kopaka rebutted. He then looked at Pohatu. "Do I?" he asked the Toa of stone.
"Not always, though you both tend to behave in a similar from what you've told me," Pohatu replied. Onua looked over at the group as they talked. The chatter seemed to be dying down. He felt the time was right.
"Maybe we should introduce ourselves properly. They've all met some of us but only at least one or two of us. We never got to really introduce ourselves to Blake and Tahu's companion before Kopaka and his companion arrived." Onua answered. Pohatu smiled.
"Agreed, they have traveled with us this far, why not introduce ourselves properly?" Pohatu said. The Toa of stone walked to the three girls and his fellow Toa followed.
Blake, Yang, and Weiss saw the Toa approach.
"I hope we aren't interrupting," Pohatu said.
"Not really, we were just wrapping up," Yang said. Pohatu sighed in relief.
"I must admit, this an oak-new experience for me," Lewa said. His phrasing somewhat confused the huntresses.
"Treespeak life-dawns, I learned it from my Koro," Lewa clarified.
"I am Lewa, Toa-hero of air." Lewa declared.
"Hello" Yang waved. The remaining Toa then introduced themselves
"My name is Gali."
"The name's Pohatu."
"Kopaka"
"Name's Tahu."
"My name is Onua."
"It is nice to meet you all. My name is Weiss." Weiss said. She was followed by her teammates introducing themselves.
"'Sup, name's Yang." Yang said with a confident smirk
"My name is Blake." Blake smiled at the Toa.
"It's nice to meet you all," Onua replied. Yang's expression changed. She had been caught up in the moment with her reunion with Weiss that she now noticed someone missing. Someone important.
"Wait, where's Ruby?"
Ruby and the Matoran approached the boat. It was a green boat of a strange design. In front of it stood a blue Matoran with a blue mask with an elongated series of vents over the mouth. She looked visibly distressed and waved them over.
"Help, help! Please, you must help! My village has been attacked! We need to-"
"Whoa, slow down, slow down for a moment." the Ta-Matoran said to the frantic Matoran in front of him. Ruby knelt down to talk to the traveler.
"What happened?" Ruby asked
"And, who are you?" the Ta-Matoran asked. The frantic blue Matoran took a breath and spoke
"My name is Macku; Macku of Ga-Koro. It is a village not far from here between Lake Naho and the sea just down the coast. I-I was out on my boat when the Rahi attacked. By the time I had returned, the monsters were destroying all in their sights. Nokama and the others had barricaded themselves inside a hut to hide but the Rahi broke the pump and the hut sank into the water." the Matoran replied.
The Ta-Matoran stood silent as he stared at Macku in a daze. To Ruby's and Macku's shock, the Ta-Matoran fell, blacking out. Macku gasped
"Oh no, have I said something wrong?" Macku asked yourself. Ruby turned the Ta-Matoran to his side.
In the depths of his mind, the Ta-Matoran saw a grand village on the water with huts made of seaweed and Ga-Matoran carried fishing poles and traded their catches. The village was great and large and the inhabitants seemed lively in their work. One amongst them was an elder, the Turaga of the village, he recognized her somehow, Nokama was her name. Wait, how did he know her name?
Nokama wielded a blue trident and wore an oval, cyan-colored mask with a circular mouthpiece and a wave-like design with robes and metal limbs and appendages of blue and cyan. As Nokama talked with the Matoran, the Ga-Matoran panicked.
"TURAGA LOOK OUT!"
The Turaga turned to see a giant lizard-like Rahi rise out of the water. In its snout was an infected Kanohi and its eyes glowed with a blood-red shine. It had two arms with a pair of round, smooth protrusions that seemed to act like boxing gloves. The Rahi had no feet and relied solely on a single tank tread to move on the land. The Rahi roared and suddenly, more Rahi ascended from the sea.
"Takua" a voice echoed. Who was that? And why was he hearing it now?
The city went into a panic as Matoran defenders rushed to the village's defense but were simply batted away. Some are even mauled, some after some were sent flying by the Rahi into the bodies of the lizards who would turn and toss them around in their maw and through huts. The living projectiles would immediately feel the loss of a limb with exposed wires, bent metal, and torn purple, sinewy flesh hung from the injuries.
Turaga Nokama ordered everyone into a large hut that would fit the village population for a time until the Rahi returned to the sea. The Ga-Matoran carried as many wounded as they could inside. Eventually, everyone made it inside, and as the last Ga-Matoran was flung inside, the Turaga ordered the door to the hut to be closed as the world around them darkened.
"Takua!" The voice called out again. Who was that? Was that… was that his name?
The Ta-Matoran awoke with a gasp. He looked around and saw a concerned Ruby and Macku.
"Are you okay?" Ruby asked. The Ta-Matoran looked at Ruby as he panted.
"Yeah." The Ta-Matoran said.
"Are you sure? You blacked out pretty hard there." Ruby said. Macku went to her boat and grabbed a leather bottle and rushed to the Ta-Matoran.
"Here, drink this. It will help." Macku said. The Ta-Matoran accepted Macku's gift and removed the cap. He drank from the bottle to the taste of water on his lips.
"I know Ta-Matoran don't need much water to survive but even still, drink up." Takua didn't reply and emptied the bottle.
"Thanks." Takua replied and gave Macku her bottle
"Now, you said your village is in trouble?" Takua asked.
"Yes, I don't know if the Rahi are still there?" Macku said
"Rahi?" Ruby said confused
"They are dark beasts, enslaved by Makuta to do his will. He ordered them to attack Ga-Koro. Please, there is no time to waste. Will you help me?" Macku said. The Ta-Matoran looked at Ruby who looked at him. Both looked at each other with an eager expression and something told him he already knew his answer.
"I will." the Ta-Matoran answered.
"I'll help too. It's part of being a huntress to help others." Ruby replied. Macku became relieved at their answers.
"Thank you, thank you so much. Take my boat and find Nokama. She is very wise and may have a plan of escape. I will search for Toa Gali on foot. If the Rahi are still there, she is the only one who can defeat them. Safe travels my friends. Until we meet again." Macku exclaimed. With that he hurried to find this "Toa Gali". Ruby was unsure what a Toa was but if they could help she would welcome the assistance.
"Alright, let's get going. Ruby, can you give me a hand?" asked the Ta-Matoran. Ruby dashed to help out, pushed the boat to deeper water, and hopped on board, grabbing the Ta-Matoran and lifting him into the boat.
"So, what do you think these Rahi look like?" Ruby asked.
"Lizards. They look like lizards. Once we get to the village we need to find a hut with its door closed." the Ta-Matoran said. Ruby looked at the Matoran.
"Wait, how do you know that?" Ruby asked. The Matoran looked at Ruby.
"It's still a mystery to me but when I blacked out, I saw… I saw Ga-Koro. I saw the Rahi attack and Nokama and the Matoran barricade themselves inside a hut. After that, I don't know. But for some reason, it felt like I was there. As if the attack was happening before my very eyes. I don't know why but it just did." the T-Matoran said. Ruby looked away and thought for a moment, the Matoran and Ruby raised the sail and began to set sail. The Ta-Matoran looked at Ruby and chuckled.
"You must think I'm crazy," he said.
"Nope," Ruby answered. The Ta-Matoran's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"You don't?" Takua asked
"Nope, if anything it could be your semblance." Ruby said as she took a seat. The Ta-Matoran looked confused.
"My… semblance?" he asked
"Yeah you know, your semblance. I have one. I can travel super fast and turn into a flurry of rose petals." Ruby answers. The red-cloaked huntress curled in her arms.
"I call it…" Ruby pumped her fist as if she were flying
"Petal Burst!" Ruby declared. The Ta-Matoran briefly giggled at her manner of declaration.
"That sounds pretty cool. I hope to see it in action. So you're saying it might be my semblance?" said the Toa-Matoran. Ruby nodded. The Ta-Matoran smiled
"Well, let's see what else my semblance can do. Oh, and one more thing." he said
"Yes?" Ruby said tilting her head with a smile
"While I was in that dream I think I heard my name. I don't know if it is or not yet but, I think it fits." the Ta-Matoran answered.
"Really, what is it?" Ruby asked with curiosity. The Ta-Matoran looked at Ruby as he turned the boat towards Ga-Koro.
"Takua, my name is Takua."
A/N: So yeah, this one was a lot longer than the last two so expect that from some chapters moving forward. Currently, I have the story planned out for 27 chapters for the 1st part of the series. Also, I may amp up the maturity rating after writing the next chapter because, while the next chapter may not be as big as this or it might be bigger (I started writing it today, actually). The violence went in a direction I didn't expect and while I will try to keep it as PG-13/TV-14 as possible, I don't think it will always be the case. Still, please review and favorite and I hope you all enjoyed.
Until then, God bless you and live life to the fullest.
