Into The Darkness Lost Chapter

Matoro propelled himself through the ocean with all his strength. Although his tone had been calm and collected, there was no doubt Hahli had understood his cry for help. If he could link up with her now, the pair could escape back to Mahri Nui. If not, well…

Brutaka is formidable, Matoro thought. Yet even he can’t keep Makuta busy for long. Not even Karzahni could stop him.

Yet by the time Matoro reached the spot where he had seen Hahli, there was no trace of her. Not even of the direction she had gone.

This isn’t good, the Toa thought, panic swelling in him. Hahli, where are you?

One of the more notable aspects of Matoran and Toa biology is that affinity to an element brings with it a unique trait. In Matoro’s case, and with all Toa or Matoran of Ice, it was a resistance to cold temperatures. So when he felt an icy chill run up his spine, and when he felt a pair of hot eyes boring into him, he knew it wasn’t the harsh temperatures of the ocean depths.

“You cannot escape your destiny, Toa,” Maxilos’ voice purred. “And you cannot run from me.”

Matoro whirled. Makuta’s crimson eyes pierced the dark waters of the ocean as he glided down from above.

“If you really wish to reunite with your teammates – If you really wish to reunite with Hahli, all you had to do was say so. We can go at once. The Nui Stone can wait. And did you really think I didn’t pick up on that message of yours?”

“Here I thought the only one Makuta listened to was himself.”

“Don’t look so sullen,” the Maxilos robot snorted. “Come, Matoro. We must find your friends, and fast. Nocturn has the Mask and Hydraxon has sniffed his trail. If we don’t stop them soon, Mata Nui may die. And we can’t have that, can we?”

“And Hahli is missing,” Matoro added. “Without her, we may not have the power to stop them.”

“Then we’d best gather your friends,” Maxilos said. “Mahri Nui isn’t far. Shall we seek them there before we pursue?”

Matoro didn’t even respond, instead turning away and starting off. As he swam, Makuta grinned.

I don’t need Tuyet to fill my ends, dear Matoro, he thought. Why would I, after all, when I already have a Toa who keeps the company of Darkness?