Chapter Six

Even a wanderer like Takua could not, under regular circumstances, deny the comfort that came with seeing his familiar region again. After all that he had been through, he would have a hard time complaining about its lack of excitement for quite some time. It was true, Ta-Koro had never seemed to be enough for him, but it was home just the same—and it had been so for hundreds of years.

The lava-infested area of Ta-Wahi was located near the southeastern side of Mata Nui, born from the primary run-off of the Mangai Volcano. Lava falls, rivers of molten magma, and other fiery features could be found here, flowing from escape holes in the mountain or the mouth of the volcano itself. Ta-Wahi may have been the smallest elemental region on the island, but it still boasted harsh conditions and unforgettable sights.

The Lake of Fire was one such sight in the shadow of the Mangai; it was a large pool of lava with a wide pillar of volcanic rock at its center. It was on that rock, suspended high above the Lake of Fire, on which the village of Ta-Koro rested. Only one bridge connected Ta-Koro to the surrounding rock outside the Lake, and the entrance to the Lake was guarded by a small fortress commanded by the famous Ta-Koro Guard, led by Captain Jala.

The village’s people lived within dwellings made of cooled lava and worked the lava fields to the north. A small stream of the stuff flowed through the village, providing it with heat. Ta-Matoran commonly worked as Crafters and Lava Farmers, who drew lava from beneath the nearby volcano and used it to forge or cast tools and produce fertile soil. The sport to know around here was Ignalu Lava Surfing, most common in the Tren Krom Break, if mildly dangerous—the lava break there provided ambitious Matoran with more exciting rapids and steeper slopes.

Heading southeast from Ko-Wahi, it was now along the lava river of the Tren Krom Break that Takua now made his way. The Ta-Koro Guards had a cablecar that allowed them easy passage, but not being a guard, Takua knew he would not be allowed use of it. Instead, he braved Makuta’s wrathful Rahi as he heads to the Lake of Fire.

✴        ✴        ✴

Takua hesitated on the edge of the Charred Forest outside the Ta-Koro gate. Beyond it, Takua was relieved to see that the bridge was up, but between it and him were two strong guards. They were Agni and Kalama, brave guards in their own right. But it was these two who had escorted Takua to the village outskirts on the day of his exile. Takua had no desire to encounter them, but if he was to at least warn the village of the troubles that lay ahead, he would have to get past them.

Briefly, he considered running around the gate and looking for some other entrance, but another guard stood in the way. Speaking to the other guards, he was telling them, “Jala says we have to keep a sharp lookout for Rahi!” Scanning the wilderness beyond, he added, “A dangerous lava creature was seen near Ta-Koro a few days ago. Be careful!”

The Ta-Koro Guard was elite, known for its strict, regimented training and its impenetrable defenses. Even Makuta’s Rahi had historically never breached the village, and that was certainly not for lack of trying. None had a chance of ever getting past such guards, and under normal circumstances Takua would just give up.

But Takua knew a thing or two about Guard protocol.

As the traveler edged forward, Kalama moved to meet him along the right side of the path, with Agni following a few paces behind and to the left. Kalama appeared relaxed, while Agni was tense. This was a standard formation, and designed for two-guard units in the event an intruder sprinted past the first guard. The third guard held his post as ordered, but he watched the scene warily.

“Takua,” Kalama began. “Your return is not unanticipated, but unwelcome nonetheless. Our orders are strict.”

“Your banishment is not yet lifted,” Agni added.

“I don’t have time for this,” Takua said, shifting between feet uncomfortably. “I’ve traveled across the island to warn of Makuta’s onslaught. The sooner you let me pass, the sooner I can talk to Captain Jala and save our Turaga.”

Agni and Kalama exchanged glances. “Save our Turaga?” the latter asked.

“Yes,” Takua nodded.

“And what would you know about that?”

“Across the island, Makuta moved to kidnap the Turaga,” the traveler replied, his right hand moving behind his back. “Ta-Koro is the last village for him to strike at. If we act fast, we can stop his kidnappers before they carry him the rest of the way to Mangaia.”

Kalama frowned. “Are you implying that Makuta has breached our defenses?”

“I’m not implying. I’m declaring. Let me pass.”

Kalama snapped. “You—”

Agni stepped forward. “Let’s take him.”

Takua’s hand whipped out from behind his back, holding the Volo Lutu Launcher. Aiming past the guards, he fired it at the gate and shot by them. Neither Agni nor Kalama could react fast enough, and when they whirled, they spotted Takua rushing onto the bridge leading to the village.

“There he is!” Kalama shouted. “Let’s get him!”

Agni sprinted past him. “We can’t let him get away!”

“Stop where you are!” Kalama bellowed.

“Ok!”

“Not you, silly!”

✴        ✴        ✴

Takua was already well inside the village, and his familiarity with his home served him well. Guards ran out to stop him, but he knew their stations like the back of his hand, and in spite of all its protections, even Ta-Koro’s militia was caught off-guard by an intrusion by one of its own. With a dozen soldiers on his tail, Takua managed to reach the residence of Captain Jala, nearly slamming into the captain himself as he was stepping outside.

“Captain Jala!” Takua gasped. “We have to hurry! Vakama—”

“Is here,” a voice from behind the captain. To Takua’s shock — and mild horror — the tall, noble form of the fire Turaga stepped out from behind Jala.

Behind Takua, several guards stepped forward to restrain Takua. But Jala gave a signal and the guards stood down.

Upon seeing the face of the village exile, Vakama frowned, rubbing his forehead. “So, you’ve returned.”

“Noble Turaga,” Takua said, bowing. “Then I’m not too late! I bring tidings from Onu-Koro and Ga-Koro. The Turaga have sent me to deliver words of Makuta’s latest tactic — a deployment of Rahi sent to kidnap the Turaga of each village. Each of the other five villages have just faced such an attack. This is the only village that Makuta has not attempted.”

Jala looked at the Turaga. “The Makuta’s forces grow bolder with each day. A force a hundred-strong is building near our redoubt at the Tren Krom Break. I have said before that it’s only a matter of time until they strike.”

“Our scouts advise us that even if it isn’t a bluff, the force assembled cannot overrun the position,” Vakama replied.

“Our scouts are wrong,” Jala said softly. “They will attack this time, and our forces there are not sufficiently prepared.”

“It’s not just Turaga that they’ve attacked,” Takua added hastily. “They have also raided Vuata Maca crystals and Toa Stones. In each of the five regions, I’ve had to track them down and recover them for the Turaga.”

Turaga Vakama smiled thinly. “Yes, I’ve heard about you and your recent exploits, Takua. To think you’re just a villager! You’ve come very far for one so small. I’ve heard about how skilled you are, but I am not convinced. Are you strong enough to recover the lost Toa Tahu Stone?”

Takua gasped. “So they have attacked!”

Jala crossed his arms. “When we received word of your exploits, we sent a convoy bearing the Toa Stone and the Vuata Maca crystals to a fortification deep in the heart of the Mangai. But the Makuta anticipated the move and intercepted our convoy. We played into his hand,” he scowled.

Vakama nodded. “Even the might of the Guardsmen was not enough, and I must conclude I don’t think you’re up to the task! But… the recommendation of the other Turaga does not come lightly. And you are not the same Matoran I exiled not so long ago. I am willing to give you a chance. Before you can help us find our Toa Tahu Stone, you must help us purify the only source of water to our village. Makuta’s henchmen have poisoned our wells, and we need to find them! Consult our Treekeeper, and he will tell you what is needed. If you can find an antidote, I’ll give you the help you need to find the Toa Tahu Stone.”

“If not, the Guard will undertake it ourselves,” Jala agreed, “even if we lack your unique experience with the Rahi.”

He hesitated, then added, “By the time you make it back with the antidote, the Turaga and I will have returned from reinforcing the Tren Krom Break. If all goes well, perhaps I can come with you and lend my abilities to finding the stone.”

“I would be honored.” Takua nodded. “Thank you, Captain.”

The poisoning of the water was not a surprise, in hindsight. Along with the theft on the Element of Melting, it seemed Makuta’s newest targets included sources of drinking water. But now he was equipped with all six Turaga staffs and stronger than ever before.

The final trial had begun.

✴        ✴        ✴

By the time Takua found the Ta-Koro Treekeeper, the purple and green Matoran was pacing anxiously.

“You’ve probably figured this out by now,” he started, “but we also need Vuata Maca Tree crystals. You are the only one who can find them, the rest of us must be prepared to defend Ta-Koro. Do not return until you have found the Vuata Maca Tree crystals!”

Takua grimaced at the snappy tone. Then again, it was nice to have the option of returning.

“The Turaga and Captain told me what happened to the crystals. But they also said you’d be able to help me identify the antidote for the drinking water.”

“Mmmm,” the Treekeeper nodded. “I have briefly studied the poison, and while I cannot guarantee I know the answer… I have a good idea about what could help…”

✴        ✴        ✴

Armed with the Treekeeper’s knowledge, and having thoroughly charted the fire region long ago, Takua soon found himself at the southernmost portion of Ta-Wahi, where the region met with the jungle of Le-Wahi. It came as no surprise that this region was also under assault by Makuta’s minions. Nor had Makuta spared any of his strength, for Takua almost immediately found himself under assault by several Vatuka stone elementals. But these were not as strong as the one Takua had faced before, or at least he was much stronger than he had been then. With several well-placed throws of the bamboo discs, he quickly fell them.

Luckily, the antidote-bearing plant wasn’t deep in the jungle, but thrived on the emanating heat from Ta-Wahi. He grabbed three samples, put them in a container, and returned to Ta-Koro.

Delighted at the pace with which he was completing this segment of his quest, he returned to the village in high spirits. But as he crossed back into the village and saw Jala marshaling Ta-Matoran forces, his heart sank.

The Captain’s eyes met his, and their grim expression said everything.

“It’s about time!” he grunted. “Where have you been? The Rahi overwhelmed us at the Tren Krom redoubt and Vakama has been taken by a band of hot-headed Fire Mahi! Only you can save Vakama, as I must stay here and guard the village.”

Takua’s heart sank. “So I will travel there alone?”

Though his expression remained steadfast, Jala’s eyes softened. “I’m afraid so. There is no telling what awaits in the heart of the volcano, but I cannot join you… this time.” He hesitated, then tilted his head. “You look like a strong fellow! Have you thought of joining the village guard?”

The traveler held his breath. “Do they admit exiles?”

Jala grinned. “You would be our first. But even the Guard could have a role for a roaming traveler such as yourself… If you put in the work, that is. But as Vakama says, you have changed.”

“I would be honored, Captain.”

“Very good,” Jala replied. “Good luck, Takua. The path ahead is a dangerous one! Now go! And may Tahu protect you…”

✴        ✴        ✴

Takua was surprised to learn that the Mahi were spotted carrying Vakama off up a mountain path not far from where he had just retrieved the Antidote. Following the path he had just taken, he made his way further along the trail. Before long, he detected hoofprints left by the Fire Mahi.

Rounding a bend, he came within sight of a large cage. The Matoran gingerly hurried over to the cage, conscious of his good fortune to this point. He was right in the middle of patting himself on the back when Vakama’s Kanohi appeared in the bars.

“Help me, Takua! Those Mahi over there have the key to this cage. You must knock them all out to get the key!”

Takua froze. He stared at the lock on the door, then over to the Mahi. He looked again at the Turaga and then at the Mahi.

“You did well to make it so far without getting caught,” Vakama smiled sadly. “But there is no other way to open this cage. I’ve tried everything.”

Takua glanced at the ground, which was so hard even Whenua’s Drill would be of no use, as it had been with Turaga Onewa’s cage. Nor were there mechanical triggers as in the case of Turaga Whenua’s.

Vakama was right.

Fire Mahi were moderately sized goat-like Rahi. Wild Mahi could live alone or in herds. They tended to be territorial, quickly charging down anything that approached and then ramming them with their dangerous horns. Despite this, Mahi could be domesticated by Matoran, making them useful livestock. Takua didn’t see himself getting a pet out of this, though.

Takua spied the keys dangling from the horns of one of the Fire Mahi. Taking a deep breath, he crept over to the herd, doing his very best not to scare or challenge them.

But his efforts were in vain. The entire herd took off running.

Takua sprinted after the Mahi, hurling his bamboo discs with all his strength. Jumping over lava puddles and racing around the steep path, they wound around the mountain. But Takua’s bamboo discs were effective, and one by one they fell. Frustratingly, the one with the key was the most evasive and was the last to be beaten, but it, too, fell.

He jogged back to the cage and unlocked it, then back to the supplies he had spilled on the ground. As he quickly repacked, he held out the Firestaff to the Turaga. Vakama looked like he was about to take it, but then shook his head.

“You have grown quite adept at using those tools, it seems,” he remarked. “And bending the energies of the Amana Volo to your will. Few Matoran can do what you are now capable of. You can return them after our stolen treasures are back.”

“Thank you, Turaga.”

Vakama nodded. “Come, Takua. You have saved me, let’s go back to the village.”

✴        ✴        ✴

Vakama inspected a well in the Ta-Koro village square. The water was clean once again and drinkable.

As he looked back at Takua, his Kanohi was adorned with a wry smile. “Well, I guess you’ve passed the test, but I think you were lucky!”

“The Turaga is impressed by your skill and the boldness in your heart,” Jala translated.

Turaga Vakama shot a glare at the Captain, then looked back at Takua. “The Mangaia shivers and the lava tides are rising. The paths into the heart of the volcano have been submerged. Let’s hope your skills at Lava Surfing are up to par. Do you still have the Lavaboard I gave you?”

Takua’s heart sank. “I’ll have to Lava Surf?”

“Indeed. You’ll have to brush up if you’re to descend into the Mangai,” Vakama frowned. “But now is no time for games…”

Jala looked at the Turaga. “We cannot send him into the volcano without some practice.”

Vakama sighed. “Very well. Have Maglya bring him up to speed.

✴        ✴        ✴

“Have you tried Ignalu Lava Surfing?” a lean, ruddy Matoran named Maglya asked. “It’s a blast!”

“Not in a very long time,” Takua grinned sheepishly. “But I brought my Lavaboard from my home,” he added, presenting his personal surfboard.

“Why don’t you do it more? Most Ta-Matoran cannot wait to get away from their work and surf. Jala is a very good lava surfer. Have you raced against him yet?”

“Not yet. I guess I’d rather spend that time wandering.” Takua chuckled. “Ta-Koro is too hot! I’d much rather live in a cool village, like Ko-Koro.”

Maglya gave a bemused glance. But then he shrugged.

“I’ve heard that Kapura likes to wander around Mata Nui in his spare time.”

“Oh?”

“Yet he also finds time to surf…” Maglya said, grabbing Takua’s arm and bringing him to the shore. Two other Matoran were carrying boards as well.

“Surf’s up and rising,” Maglya said, throwing his in the lava. “On my mark… get set… go!”

Takua jumped onto his board. Though he was wobbly at first, he’d had more than his share of practice learning the sport, and he regained an edge quickly. Before long, he was quickly weaving in and out of stalagmites and stalactites, keeping up with even the most seasoned surfer.

And as the finish line drew closer, he leaned in and edged out the other three.

“I did it!” Takua exclaimed, breathless. “I beat the games… Every village!”

“Well done, Takua!” Maglya shouted from his board. “You have earned the Copper Mask for winning all six of the village games! It is a great honor.”

By the time the four Matoran had ridden the waves back, Vakama was already waiting. “There is little time remaining to find the Toa Tahu Stone! You must find it quickly before it is lost in the depths of Mt. Ihu forever. Now get going!”

✴        ✴        ✴

By the time he made it out to the lava plains, the lava was boiling and spilling over, and the river was churning more rapidly than normal.

He had chosen a northern path down into the volcano. Here the frosty temperatures from Mount Ihu descended into the volcano to make for a slightly cooler, more tolerable entrance. Most Ta-Matoran didn’t mind the heat and basked in its radiance, but Takua had quickly discovered he is much more sensitive to it than they.

As in so many things, Takua had always been different.

✴        ✴        ✴

Though the Mangai Volcano possessed a cave network like Onu-Wahi, their respective atmospheres couldn’t be more different. Where Onu-Wahi was dark and cool and moist, the Mangai’s cave walls glistened and reflected the orange and red waves of heat coming from the nearby lava around every corner, the heat pounded on any traveler, and the smoke from the molten material dried the air and walls.

Undeterred by the waves of heat from the rock and magma, he was able to focus his attacks on the Rahi who tried to block his progress. Purple-armored Mahi appeared, as well as crimson Hikaki and yellow Vako. But the worst enemies in this land were the Husi. The green and blue ostriches could run on lava and were feared for their relentless pecking attacks. Takua could scarcely surf fast enough to avoid them.

Before long, he had found a cliffside he could scale and resume the path on foot. As he made his way along, he spotted one glowing side tunnel wherein lay a Vuata Maca crystal. In his customary manner, he took it with him.

Continuing through the many paths, Takua arrived at a large chamber, shaped mostly as a semi-circle. A lava moat bisected the room, keeping him on his side and from reaching the other half. Unlike the rivers he had been riding, this lay still and wouldn’t be nearly so easy to surf. Across the flow, however, he could see a geyser, as well as three large mechanical platforms, like the ones he activated to release Whenua’s prison.

Yet this is not the most surprising part. To the side of the chamber’s entrance, on a small mound in the dirt, rested the Toa Tahu Stone. Along the edge of the room, easily reachable on foot, was the second Vuata Maca crystal.

Takua grabbed both objects. As he did, he got the sense that they had been left there on purpose, as if to toy with him. But most intriguing of all was the mysterious geyser at the center of the room.

“Seems promising,” the Matoran muttered. “But how to get there?”

He looked around the chamber. There wasn’t much in the way of equipment. The solution to this kind of problem in the other regions was to use his Volo Lutu Launcher and pull himself across, but there were no protruding details within range to which the tool could adhere. In any of the other regions he would have created an ice pillar with the Ice Pick, backed up, and then launched himself across. Here, though, the heat would liquefy the construction before he could properly use it.

The words of Ko-Koro’s Treekeeper returned to him in a flash. Nuju’s Ice Pick can be used to turn hot lava into cool stone.

“Of course!” Takua gasped. Retrieving the Pick and resting it inches above the surface of the lava, he activated the Amana Volo. The slick lava cooled and, sure enough, stone had formed.

Tentatively, Takua lowered his foot onto it, testing its sturdiness and temperature. When it held, he shifted his full weight to it. To his relief, it did not shift or sink.

He repeated the process a few more times, rapidly advancing across the magma. It was to his immense relief that the magma of these stretches were cool enough to perform such a stunt, for deep in the Mangai, far from Ihu’s base, there were places where even ice could not avail.

Stepping over to the far edge, Takua strode over to the mechanism, breathless.

The two objects had been neatly arranged, and rested unguarded. As they came into better view, the Matoran noticed a small tablet resting beside the objects.

A shudder ran up his back. On the tablet, in legible Matoran script, was a message.

Takua picked it up.

You have played my game well, Takua, it read. You can have the last two objects of your quest, but not without one final trial. The Mangai volcano is set to blow. You will find all you need to escape in time, however. Do so and we will meet again… —The Makuta.

As if on cue, the volcano rumbled and roared, and the earth beneath Takua’s feet quaked. The geyser blew higher and more forcefully.

How will a geyser help me escape?!

He looked around. The platforms, and presumably their underlying mechanisms, had been undamaged in the quake. Not far from each platform were three giant boulders. Smaller boulders lay to their side.

Of course, Takua realized. Just like Whenua’s cage.

Takua sprinted to the first large boulder and rolled it onto the nearby platform, hearing a sharp click beneath it. He did the same with the second, then the third. The ground rumbled and split open again, and this time a giant white crystal emerged from it. And the volcano roared louder.

Now Takua was panicking. Makuta is toying with me!

As he peered at the crystal, he realized there was something situated at its center. But when he struck at it even with the Stone Hammer, the crystal did not split open.

Takua looked around. His eyes fell on the geyser, then on the smaller boulders.

Could it work? Almost certainly not, but he had to try.

Hoisting one of the small boulders, he hurled it with all his might onto the geyser. The large stone flew into the air, arced over, and descended with a crash onto the crystal.

The roaring of the volcano reached its apex and the quaking of the ground was at its most violent. Takua stepped forward to look at the crystal, but before he could, the earth gave way and he tumbled into darkness. He struck something hard and it all went black.

✴        ✴        ✴

Wake up, Matoran!

Takua awoke with a start. He felt himself, but he was not injured.

He sat up. He was drifting along one of the deepest magma flows in the mountain. His equipment was still on him. Even the Toa stone and Vuata Maca crystals were still there.

But as he scanned his surroundings, panic swelled once again. There, not so far down the chamber, a towering wave of lava was bearing down on him.

Even the Rahi were fleeing terrified, for a flock of Husi were running out in front of it. So Makuta would abandon even his brainwashed minions to die? Takua thought grimly.

He looked around. There was nothing he could stick in the magma to paddle with, and the sheer heat and speed of the wave meant freezing the magma was out. There was truly no way to escape.

You will find all you need.

Makuta’s words resurfaced in Takua’s mind, and he looked up. The Husi were nearing his position quickly. Was there any way—

He looked down at his Volo Lutu Launcher, then looked up. He looked down, then up again. Fastening the bundle tighter on his back, grasping his Lavaboard with one hand, and aiming the Launcher with the other, he uttered a quiet prayer to Mata Nui. And then he waited.

In seconds the Husi flock was racing past him. But he only needed one. He let his Volo Lutu fly… but it missed. He fired again and missed again.

The flock had almost passed and the wave was almost here. He only had one more shot. Taking a deep breath, he tried for what would be his last time.

Success! The projectile latched on, and in the Husi’s wake flew Launcher, Takua, Lavaboard, and all.

Now came an even harder challenge, for as he was sucked down the magma river ahead of the wave, he had to navigate explosions, falling debris, and towering rock formations. Several times he evaded by a razor’s margin. And even as he felt the deafening cacophony of the volcano would split his head open, it continued to grow louder. At times, he seemed to hear malevolent laughter mingled in the noise.

So focused was he on surviving the trip that he failed to notice the light at the end of the tunnel, and when the Husi ran out and plunged over the lava falls outside the volcano, he shot far into the air, nearly losing his grasp on his Lavaboard. And when he fell and splashed into the cooling lava far below, it was only the buoyancy of his board that kept him from sinking to a molten tomb. And as the volcano billowed smoke and spat out lava, Takua drifted gently along, too exhausted to resist.

✴        ✴        ✴

It was some time before he finally returned to the village. When he did, the first thing he did was to hand the crystals to the Vuata Maca Treekeeper who nodded curtly.

“I’m glad you brought back the two Vuata Maca Tree crystals. Thanks again.”

Takua had seen five other trees be restored to health, and their branches curve like tendrils around new spheres of energy in the tree, but he couldn’t help the feeling of wholeness that came with this last tree—his home tree’s—restoration. All the villages were back in working order—their infrastructure restored and their leaders rescued.

“Just happy it’s over,” Takua replied. “Have you seen the Turaga?”

“Last I heard, he was talking about summoning the other Turaga to conference. He didn’t specify if it was just one Turaga or them all. I do know Vakama and Matau are said to be good friends.”

“It will be them all.”

Takua and the Treekeeper whirled to see Turaga Vakama approaching. “With the elders returned and Vuata Maca growing green, the villages are stable and safe once more. And even this new safety will be outdone when we summon our heroes to us. Thank you for getting our Toa Stone back! You have all six precious Toa Stones?”

Takua opened the pocket in his bag that contained them. “Right here, Turaga.”

Vakama smiled and led a departure. “Then let us set out at once for the Kini-Nui, the site where they must be used, and end this Dark Time.”

“One thing first,” Takua said. “This Lavaboard weighs so much, and I’d like to leave it here.”

The Treekeeper chuckled, pointing to the bundle on Takua’s back. “I was just going to say, don’t you get tired of carrying all that stuff?”

✴        ✴        ✴

“Sure, I can hold onto it,” Maglya nodded. “You probably won’t find too many others interested in guarding it though. Most here suspect you had something to do with the volcano’s explosion, and they aren’t too happy about it. Not happy at all.”

Takua sighed. “Well, they were unhappy with me when I returned and they’ll be unhappy when I leave. The balance is maintained.”

The Lava Surfer chuckled. “Like the lava, they’ll cool off eventually.”

Takua stepped outside Maglya’s hut where Vakama was waiting. “Wish us luck!” Takua called.

“Safe travels, Turaga and Takua!” called Maglya.

The Turaga smirked.

“How can I worry with Takua at my side?” he chuckled. “He’s already saved me once. Surely he can do so again.”