Chapter Two

The first sight that greeted Takua at the end of the tunnel was the vast landscape of Ga-Wahi, a testament to the efficiency of the subterranean highway. The tunnels might not extend through or into the region, but they sure got a traveler close.

Ga-Wahi was a large and mostly submerged region located on the eastern side of the island of Mata Nui. From his vantage, Takua could see the edge of Naho Bay, a large inland lake which took up the majority of the area. Naho Bay was surrounded by towering white cliffs — cliffs out of which Takua was emerging now. From above the bay, he could see the village of Ga-Koro far below.

The island of Mata Nui as a whole had many different ecosystems across it, but even within this region, diverse elements coexisted. The coastlines were long, sandy beaches surrounded by very tall and steep cliffs of white rock. The rest of the area was split between plains with plentiful vegetation and some modest jungle, though the vegetation was not as thick or large as what was found in Le-Wahi. One universally common trait across Ga-Wahi, however, was a high humidity.

The paths down the cliff were overrun by rampant Rahi. Grasshopper-like creatures known as the small Cliff Bugs fluttered and jumped about. Alone, they were nothing more than an annoyance, but as Takua quickly found, it was all too easy to get distracted by them only for Fikou spiders to try to bite and attack. Being smaller creatures, Takua was able to defeat the Cliff Bugs easily with Madu and the larger Fikou by flinging hard rocks. They were fiercer than the Rahi in Onu-Wahi—these Rahi were far swifter than the underground creatures. The Firestaff didn’t seem to stagger them as much either, but they were sun-dwellers after all.

The Volo Lutu continued to be of use, though, navigating the cliffs and chasms of Ga-Wahi similar to those in Onu-Wahi. Takua used it on tall coral, trees, or stone outcroppings to circle around the cliffside perimeter of Naho Bay in the direction of the water village.

At last, after a long trek and a couple of near falls, he arrived at the outskirts of Ga-Koro, the village of water and home to the Ga-Matoran.

✴        ✴        ✴

Takua must have arrived close to midday, for Ga-Koro appeared to be bustling.

The village was situated just off the shore of the bay, floating atop the waters in the northeastern portion of the island of Mata Nui, surrounded by whirlpools and strong currents that occasionally made sea travel treacherous. Since travel to and from the main island was by canoe, those were enough to keep most others away, resulting in only a few travelers. Ga-Koro was mainly built on top of huge floating pads growing from the seabed. Harakeke bushes and bamboo could grow from these pads, and some Ga-Matoran kept floating Harakeke gardens outside their huts. The huts themselves were made from a thick seaweed material, and the various pads were connected by walkways made from a similar material, with one connecting to a gate on the beach.

It was that gate that Takua now approached.

“Welcome to Ga-Koro. My name is Sasha. Unfortunately, I’m afraid you cannot enter,” a Ga-Matoran guard stated, stopping Takua in his attempt to cross the threshold.

“But I’ve been sent by Turaga Whenua,” Takua explained to her. “He knows of danger that this village is about to face. I’m here to help you.”

The guard frowned. “Times are dangerous, and Makuta’s spies abound. It is said that Makuta himself may take the form of a Matoran to prey and deceive. You’re a stranger in these lands—we can’t just give you full access to our village, even at the request of another Turaga.”

Takua sighed. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

Sasha smiled mischievously. “That path will bring you down to the Hura-Mafa River. You may have access to our village by participating in our boat race. You’ll race against me. I’m really fast! Your rowing team will follow the drumbeat you play.”

“A boat race?”

“The Ga-Matoran will tolerate you if you can take part in our culture. By winning a race against one of our own, we will owe you our respect.”

Part of Takua wanted to just give up and go home — Ta-Koro villagers were not exactly known for their exceptional sea-faring skills. But with so much riding on him, and with such an important message to deliver, he needed access to the village.

Suppressing a sigh, Takua followed Sasha down the dirt walkway she had pointed to. Sure enough, it sloped down to a running flow of water. To Takua’s shock, four color-coated boats were already in the water, each with nearly an entire crew aboard. Upon seeing them approach, the captain of the red boat stepped out to greet them, introducing herself as Kai.

“Truth be told, we just needed one more participant,” the guard said, putting a vest made from wood and flax on Takua. “I was about to search for someone to complete the red team when you walked up.”

Kai smiled, taking Takua’s hand as the guard started toward another boat. “This sport is called Ngalawa Boat Racing. Maku is the champion, but she isn’t here and, well, you are.” She led Takua to a canoe, helped him in, then crawled into the back, behind other crewmates. “Besides, you should probably go up against someone a little slower anyway.”

“Wait! What do I do?” Takua called, fearfully looking at the drums.

“What do you think?”

Takua took the drumsticks in his hands. Perhaps his role could be simple enough.

One of Takua’s teammates, the one closest to him, leaned forward and smiled. “We have good odds. Kotu’s drumming for the other boat. Of all the villagers in Ga-Koro, Kotu is the clumsiest! She’ll probably drop her drumsticks in the water or something.”

From the docks, someone piped up. “Racers, on your marks! Get set…”

“Let’s just do this…” Takua muttered, already disliking this sport.

“Go!”

The race began. For never having directed a boat or kept a rhythm before, Takua considered himself to be doing well at the start. Their opponents had a much quicker initial start, but by mimicking the strokes from the other vessels, Takua managed to keep a constant distance. The Ga-Matoran crew, silent and serious, kept pace to his beats, swiftly angling right when he beat with his right hand and to the left when he struck with his left. To any onlooker, it almost seemed like Takua was in control.

They did, however, lose space when he tried to navigate his canoe around a series of rocks. He obviously chose the wrong way—in this stretch, the water was shallow and had more obstacles than the open water from before the fork. Takua’s team was forced to change to avoid scraping oars against the bedrock and from ramming his canoe into protruding rocks. He finally caught a break when he cruised in an area of faster current than the ship the guard sailed on, pulling him ahead of her.

“Nice going!” the captain called from her position.

“Thanks!” he said over his shoulder, pounding his drums to find his rhythm again.

“No, I meant you can stop rowing,” Kai replied. When Takua looked back at her this time, her oar was across her knees and the others were directing the boat to shore. “Those rapids pulled you across the finish line. We won.” She got out and started pulling her boat back to land.

“Oh. OK.” Now Takua jumped out to help pull the boat. “Were the others taking it easy on us?”

The captain finished tying her boat and moved to help Takua with his, allowing him to stretch the remaining stiffness out of his limbs. She smiled. “A little,” she shrugged. “The way I see it, if you’re here to help, we shouldn’t let our pride turn you away. The Ga-Matoran have just been edgy with Rahi lately, but now, they’ll have to let you in. You directed the boat in the water like a fish, Takua! Would you care to race again?”

Takua grinned. “Have to talk to Turaga. Thank-you, though.”

“No, thank you,” Kai replied, handing Takua an unusual red seashell. “Your trophy. Welcome to Ga-Koro!”

✴        ✴        ✴

“Have you heard that Nokama’s Trident has been stolen?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that Nokama is out looking for her Trident. Did you know that Nokama’s Trident is made from the bones of a Makuta fish? Nokama’s Trident can launch balls of water at Nokama’s enemies!”

“I’ve also heard that the Toa Stones from all the villages are missing! Don’t know what the significance of those were, but the two have to be connected.”

“Maybe it’s the Rahi. Do you think any Rahi will attack us?”

“Can’t be. Why go to the trouble of stealing things, leaving, and then coming back to attack? I’m not worried. Oh, traveler!”

Takua turned. Sounded like someone was shouting at him. Indeed, a Matoran in a bright blue Kaukau was waving his way.

“Have you tried our boat race yet? It’s a blast!”

“Already have, thanks!” he shouted back.

“Who did you race against? Watch out for Kotu — she’s quite the practical joker! Kotu is Maku’s best friend. Did you know that?”

One of the other Ga-Matoran grinned. “I’ve heard that Maku likes someone in Po-Koro. Can you believe that?”

“Mata Nui,” another said. “Anything to get out of here. Ga-Koro is much too wet! I’d rather live in Po-Koro, where it’s warm all day! No ocean as far as you can see. Believe it or not, I can’t swim! I’m trying to learn, though…”

As Takua made his way hurriedly through Ga-Koro, he was relieved to find that the chit chat among the villagers was calm and unworried, which was a good sign. If they were out racing and relaxing, then perhaps he had arrived early enough to prevent Makuta from abducting Nokama.

Regardless, he would have to find either Nokama or her right hand Matoran, Maku. And Maku did not make herself difficult to find. Far from racing with the other Matoran, she had confined herself to Nokama’s quarters where she paced anxiously.

“Greetings, fellow islander,” she said upon seeing Takua. “Po-Matoran and Onu-Matoran are known to visit, but we aren’t usually graced by those of the fire village. What brings you to Ga-Koro?”

Without mincing words, Takua hastily explained his mission, and Whenua’s assignment to him. Through it all, Maku’s expression remained grave — except at the very end.

“They made you race with them?”

“Yes… The message was too important to turn them down.”

Maku rubbed her forehead.

“Of course you’re allowed in. If they hadn’t diverted you for their game, we might have avoided the mess we’re in now.”

“What mess?”

“Exactly what you came to warn us about, traveler. Our Turaga, Nokama, is missing! We think that she has been captured by the Makika that lives in a cave across the harbor. I was only going to tell Kotu because we don’t want everyone panicking, but I know Turaga Vakama and Whenua would only send the best. I know we hardly deserve to ask this of you now, but will you help us rescue Nokama?”

An unconscious shiver ran down Takua’s back. He had been riding the high of helping Onu-Koro, but now that he was to do the same thing again? He had barely survived the first time.

Still, what choice did they have? None of the Matoran here knew what was in store. Only Takua had undertaken such a journey.

Swallowing hard, Takua nodded… again.

✴        ✴        ✴

Following Maku’s lead, Takua journeyed into the harbor, passing the disrepaired Vuata Maca along the way. Upon leaving the village limits, more Cliff Bugs and infected Hoi turtles swarmed at him, threatening to drive him back to the safety of Ga-Koro. Along with them, wild water Ussal lunged at him, trying to snag him for walking too close to the water’s edge and make him a meal.

His biggest surprise, though, were the plants called Daikau that moved at his approach. They each had a central stems with four leaves spreading outward along the ground. When he stepped near one, the leaves wrapped around his foot and began pulling him toward its center, which changed into a manifolded mouth. He flung rocks and Madu, but the carnivorous plant simply ate them, content to digest them for a while. Fortunately, the heat and sharp edge of the Firestaff were enough to pain the leaves into loosening their grip. A Madu Cabolo into its mouth made sure it wouldn’t bite anything again.

Takua wiped the leaves’ slime off his feet on some nearby grass. “Ulck… that was unpleasant.” In doing so, his eyes caught sight of a glimmer of sunlight in some grass off the path. He diverged from the trail to investigate it, only to realize it was a Vuata Maca crystal, one that would help restore the Vuata Maca Tree in Ga-Koro. He smiled at his luck.

One down…

✴        ✴        ✴

After much hiking and leaping from islet to islet, he finally made it to the distant harbor. It only took a quick view of the area to find the Makika’s cave. Docks, piers, and boats were sights he had expected to see in a Matoran-made environment as an extension of the village. Conversely, the makeshift cave hollowed out into the cliffside clearly did not belong to the Ga-Matoran.

Peering into the recess of the cave, he saw that the ocean sunlight and reflection of the waves in the harbor pretty well illuminated the interior. He still didn’t have the faintest idea how he would defeat the creature, especially if it was immune to his most conventional weapon. After retrieving some rocks, he entered the cave.

There wasn’t much to see inside. Nokama lay bound on the far side of the cave, which otherwise appeared to be empty aside from some stalagmites and boulders.

“Nokama!” Takua whispered, entering. “Is the Makika gone—”

A strong orange hand scooped up the Matoran like a doll. Takua gasped and struggled, but the might of the clawed fingers and the giant toad-like Rahi to whom they belonged was too much. To his horror, the Matoran was brought to the entrance of the cave and hurled out.

Takua landed with a thud and glanced at the cave. The Makika, a squat, muscular, bright orange toad, did not follow him, instead returning to the hidden corners of the cave. The beast seemed merely content to guard the bound Nokama.

What a bizarre creature, Takua thought.

With no better ideas, Takua charged back into the cave, attempting to dodge and weave around the monstrous Rahi. But the Makika hopped over the stalagmites that separated them, caught him, and again threw him out of the cave. Once again, there was no effort to pursue.

Takua frowned, looking for something to use. If traditional weaponry wasn’t an option…

His eyes fell on the large boulders just inside the cave. His gaze then turned to the long, powerful legs of the Makiki. A foolhardy scheme was forming in his head… but would it work?

Only one way to find out.

Takua darted inside, and before the Makika could snatch him again, he summoned all his strength and picked up the boulder. Undeterred, the frog-like Rahi lumbered over, but before it could seize Takua again, the Matoran threw the boulder forward, where it landed like a sledgehammer on the Rahi’s legs. The beast roared in pain, and as it struggled to get unpinned, Takua raced over to Nokama, hoisted her up, and charged back out of the cave.

Takua did not slow until he rounded the bend to the cave’s opening at the docks, but given the rate he was going, his heart sank. He knew he could not outrun such a creature, especially not carrying a Turaga who was taller and heavier than him. He turned around, waiting for it to come after them.

“It will not,” Nokama said.

“What?”

Nokama gently pushed herself from Takua’s grasp, and the Matoran hurriedly untied her bonds.

“It will not pursue us,” she explained. “It is a beast. Under the influence of darkness, perhaps…but it is still just a beast. Its home was just invaded. Its instinct will be to safeguard its home before coming after me again.”

She smiled at Takua. Even though she was just a head or so taller, it was the wisdom and experience in her eyes behind her Noble Kanohi that made her dwarf him in his eyes.

“Thank you for rescuing me, little one. Let’s hurry back.”

✴        ✴        ✴

Nokama was right—the Makika didn’t come after them, and the other Rahi between the harbor and the village were easy enough to avoid or deter. Upon returning to the village, Nokama thanked Takua again with an Amana Volo from her hut. “These are rare,” she said, “but needed in situations like this, Takua.”

“You know me?” Takua asked, even as he took the gift.

Nokama chuckled. “My brother, Whenua, may have been the one to commence your quest, but it was the Ga-Matoran astrologers and Ko-Matoran scholars who learned that the world is shifting. Makuta stirs in the depths, and Mata Nui trembles under his power. The word must be brought to the other villages, but first you must seek out the objects we lost in Makuta’s attack. Only you can complete this mission, for I looked in the waters for answers, and the face in the waters was yours.”

“My face?”

“Yours, Takua, for the island of Mata Nui needs your help! As I have learned, some of the sacred Toa Stones are still missing. Our own Toa Gali Stone was taken by a creature that lives in the cliffs across the harbor.”

“Where can I find that?”

“The harbor is to the southwest. You should go to the southern cliffs of Ga-Wahi in search of the Water Toa Stone, where it was hidden centuries ago,” instructed Nokama. “Near those cliffs you should find the other Vuata Maca crystal. Also, our Vuata Maca Treekeeper has a request to make of you.”

To her side, a Matoran resembling the Treekeeper of Onu-Koro stepped forward, bowing to him. “We need your help!” he explained quickly. “The two crystals that are essential for the health of our Vuata Maca Tree have been stolen! You must bring them to me! Please help us, Takua.”

“Yes,” Takua nodded. “Something similar happened in Onu-Koro. Very similar, actually. But I’ve already found one of the crystals.”

The Treekeeper lit up. “Excellent work! You’ve recovered the first half of the Vuata Maca Tree crystal. There is still one more you must find.”

“My brother Turaga chose a hero wisely,” Nokama remarked. “You have undertaken much already. Now I entreat you to take the hardest steps yet.”

✴        ✴        ✴

To reach the cliff in question, Takua had to travel inland slightly along another harbor to the south. As the path ended, he realized he had to scale the side of a cliff directly above the swirling ocean. With no sandy shore to catch him, the Matoran was acutely aware of the jagged rocks below. He was making his way sideways along the rocky face when he heard a snapping noise near his feet. The Matoran jumped in surprise when he saw infected minnow-like Ruki leaping out of the ocean and snapping at him with their strong jaws. Behind them, the dorsal fins of similarly infected Takea sharks could be seen, circling lest he wander too deep into the ocean. Takea were infamous, feared even by Ga-Matoran who considered them the Kings of Sharks and avoided the ocean whenever one was spotted.

I must be getting close, Takea thought grimly, if Makuta is sending the most fearsome of his Rahi against me.

Takua hurried the rest of the way, then dropped onto land once it emerged from the water again. As he made his way along, he quickly found that this region was lined with far fewer rivers and tributaries, but the path was much more marshy. Many of the opponents he faced were the same, although he had grown quite skilled in fending them off. To his surprise he spotted an Amana Volo Sphere hidden behind some boulders, and the Madu Cabolo made quick work of them. Like the previous Amana Volo Spheres, this one flooded him with even greater strength and energy than he had known.

The second Vuata Maca Crystal he found not far away. The Toa Stone was trickier, although he soon stumbled on an old elevator allowing easy passage to one of the cliffs above. Though the elevator was dilapidated and had clearly seen better days, it remained functional.

It led even higher, to the highest cliff ledge he could see in Ga-Wahi. Taking the unsteady and fragile elevator, he found the Water Toa Stone on a point that overlooked all of Ga-Wahi. It was similar to the Earth Toa Stone—an indent vertically bisected it, it was imprinted with the same symbol, and was generally conical in shape—but its base was a deep blue, and its aura was the blue of the sky over the island.

Takua found it hard to tear his eyes away from the object, but soon forced himself to do so. He returned briefly to Ga-Koro to give the Vuata Maca crystals to the Ga-Matoran Treekeeper. He smiled as the tree flourished once again and essences of power sparked in the curves of its branches.

“Gali be praised! You’ve recovered both of the Vuata Maca Tree crystals!” the Treekeeper exclaimed.

“Thank you for getting our Toa Stone back, and for all you have done for the Matoran of Water,” Nokama said. “With two villages restored, I believe the island of Mata Nui can make a stand before the Makuta. You are now free to go to the next village.”