Chapter Eight

The party of misfits was complete. The team walked to the beach and headed toward the waterfall. Takua had seen it before, but others of his Company have not.

“The waterfall is so beautiful! Like a million Lightstones tossed in the air!” Taipu marveled.

Kopeke looked on quietly. “…”

“Vakama says the road to the Kini-Nui lies on the other side of those falls,” said Kapura. “Maku, maybe, can find a way.”

“I can swim, if we need to cross the falls,” added Tamaru. “But I’m not sure about the others. We need Maku to aid us here.”

“By Pohatu!” Hafu exclaimed. “Horrid stuff, water. I wouldn’t swim in it if the Makuta himself were at my back, and don’t know how besides! Try Maku, she has skill in boatcraft.”

Maku, who had been taking one last long look back at her village, now heard Hafu’s remark. “I can help us cross!” she said quickly. “I used to go boating here, in safer times. If it’s weathered the storms, my canoe is still hidden in the bushes along the bank.”

She darted over and found her boat among the bushes. Eagerly, she motioned for everyone to help put it into the water. All seven boarded, and Maku steered the boat into the waterfall. Behind it was an underground stream.

✴        ✴        ✴

The company traveled the underground waterway inland until they emerged from the tunnel and reached green, forested hills. This was clearly an ancient path. They soon came upon a chasm, but there was no way to cross. None seemed to know how they could continue.

“When I stand at the edge and look down, it makes me dizzy,” observed Taipu unhelpfully.

Kopeke was pensive. “…”

“Not fast nor slow can I cross a bridgeless canyon.” Kapura mused.

“That’s odd,” Maku said. “There used to be a bridge here… what could have happened to it? Perhaps a flying Le-Matoran can figure a way across.”

“Whether by storm or some darker force, the bridge that stood here is gone for good. Not even I can craft a new one!” remarked Hafu. “I have heard tell, though, that Le-Matoran are good with heights and rope.”

Tamaru thought fast. “Where groundpath fails, highlifting jungle aids us! Many stout vines and plants can I here use. Wait here, friends! New bridge shall I fashion for cliffbound Company.”

In no time at all, he had fashioned a rope of vine and tied it to a nearby tree. He then hurled himself out over the chasm and swung up to the other side, crash-landing in a bush.

The bush stirred and Tamaru’s mask popped out, signaling he was OK. He secured the rope, and one by one the others worked their way to the other side. When all were safely across, they continued down the pathway through the dense forest.

✴        ✴        ✴

The chatter among the group was cheerful and upbeat.

“With such Company, Makuta-beasts have much to fear!” proclaimed Tamaru.

“It is good to be on an adventure with you again!” said Maku. “I thought Nokama would keep me locked up in the village forever.”

“Are we there yet?” asked Taipu.

“If you practice, you can move quickly,” replied Kapura.

Kopeke was pensive. “…”

“This land is a place of beauty, and also of sadness. There is no greater craftsman than Mata Nui!” remarked Hafu wistfully.

✴        ✴        ✴

As the trees began to clear, it became apparent that another obstacle had been strewn across their path. Where there was once a passage through these rocky hills, they now reached a wall of fallen rocks and stone.

Kopeke was surprised. “…”

Kapura frowned. “The road was not blocked when Toa passed. A force works against us.”

“I came this way once,” agreed Maku, “and this rockslide was not here. Something calls forth the very earth to block our path! This is a fell sign. Both Hafu and Taipu might find a way through this, if they work together.”

Tamaru tilted his head. “Stones too heavy to lift, and if overrock we climb, fall they might and hurt us. Digging task for Hafu and Taipu, I think!”

“My stonecraft is great indeed, Chronicler! I can cut through these stones,” said Hafu. “But I should also need great skill at digging, such as Taipu possesses.”

“Digging in rock is what the Onu-Matoran do best,” nodded Taipu proudly. “I will clear a route with your help. But in the caves of my home, a Po-Matoran stonemason is often at hand, to cut and clear.”

Taipu quickly began clearing rocks as Hafu set about cutting away the stone. They worked quickly and a large cloud of dust surrounded them as they did so.

“Another Hafu original,” proclaimed Hafu as the dust settled, stepping back proudly. Before him, standing next to the newly opened pass, stood an enormous statue of himself. He beamed.

Rolling their eyes, the Company shuffled past and was once again on their way.

✴        ✴        ✴

The trip took them higher up into the snow-capped mountains. They soon came upon a large, stone carving of a face.

“This is the portal to the Kini-Nui,” said Maku. “On the other side lies our destination! But I fear our long journey is for nothing, for our astrologer has spoken of these gates. They cannot be opened without the key!”

Taipu looked around and shivered. “It’s cold here! The snow is beautiful and terrible, like silence given form.”

“These ancient Gates have ever been open,” Kapura frowned. “It is clear now that the Makuta strives to catch us up.”

Tamaru examined the door closely, feeling for some hidden mechanism. “Keyless doors do not stop highflying Le-Matoran, but I cannot find hold on this ice. Perhaps Kopeke has some skill that can help us?

“These gates are ancient, and fashioned by a hand whose skill rivals even my own,” remarked Hafu. “I have not much hope for any who try trespass without the key. Perhaps Kopeke can wield some ice-lore to get us past this place?”

“…”

Kopeke, who had had little to say on the journey, did not speak now either, but his eyes narrowed. He carefully examined the lock in the mouth of the face, then traveled a short way to an icy drift. The sun had melted large icicles onto its lip. He broke one off and began crafting a key.

The key fit perfectly into the lock and the door opened swiftly. They were now free to pass through the portal. On the other side, deep in a protected green valley, was Kini-Nui. They climbed down to the valley and crossed the woods to the temple.

✴        ✴        ✴

At the base of the temple stood all six Toa assembled, deep in discussion among themselves. “This is where we begin our final task,” declared Tahu. “If any of you question our choice, or doubt our chances if we work together, speak now!”

“I have doubted you in the past, Tahu,” replied Kopaka softly, “but no more. I think I speak for all of us when I say that our only hope is to work together. So I cast my sword with yours, if you will have it.”

“I will have it gladly, Kopaka,” affirmed Tahu. “You are all in assent?”

All of the Toa nodded their heads in agreement.

“Then it is decided!” proclaimed Tahu. “Together, the Makuta cannot resist us!”

“Wait, Tahu!” Lewa interjected. “Have you given no thought to our return? If the Rahi attack the Temple while we are below, how can we escape?”

“I do not know the answer to that question, Lewa,” replied Tahu, glancing down. “So grim is this task, that I have not thought it much use to consider anything beyond our meeting with the Makuta.”

It was as he was saying this that Takua stepped forward, followed by his six companions. “Hold!” interrupted Onua. “There is an intruder among us!” Onua said, turning and looking upon them. “But… what is this?”

“Stay your claws, Onua!” Gali urged. “It is the Chronicler, and his Company! Little one, you are brave indeed, to have come all this way,” she said, turning to them. “And I see you have gathered help from all the villages around! Tahu, it is as I hoped,” she looked at the Toa of Fire. “These Matoran can guard the Kini-Nui while we descend, and see that no Rahi attacks us from behind.”

“The Rahi are fearsome,” said Lewa. “May their hearts prove greater than their size would suggest!”

“In truth it is said that great power can be found in small packages…” responded Pohatu, “and that aid can come from places least expected. And besides, we have few options.”

“So be it,” said Tahu. “Chronicler, it is your doom to remain here, and guard the Kini-Nui at all costs. This deed will be remembered as long as any remain to sing of it! Friends,” he said, turning to the other Toa, “we have much to do and little time. Let’s go!”

Five of the Toa started toward the temple. Only Gali lingered behind for a moment to address Takua.

“Before I go, Chronicler,” she said, “know that there is a bond between us. Your struggles and those of your friends will be much to bear. I shall be with you in heart. Look for me in your dreams. I will come to you then, and speak to you of the things we see underground. Remember them.”

She turned and jogged after the others. “Goodbye! And do not let the Temple fall!”

With that, the six Toa ascended the steps of the Temple, gathering in a circle at the top. Their masks changed color to gold. Each held out a fragment of the Makoki stone they had collected on their journeys.

The stone fragments levitated out over the center of the Temple and then joined together to form a ball. As they did, the Temple opened up and the Toa descended into its gaping maw.

✴        ✴        ✴

As they waited, Takua took stock of the Company’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Fire-Matoran always fare well against Muaka and Ice Rahi,” said Kapura. “It is Water-Rahi, Tarakava and Nui-Rama that we fear.”

“Onu-Koro always fares well against Water Rahi such as Nui-Rama and Water Tarakava,” Taipu piped up. “But we fear the swift Nui-Kopen of Air!”

“The Nui-Kopen are beasts of Air and cannot resist my mighty strength!” bragged Hafu. “Muaka and other Ice Rahi are sometimes a challenge.”

“Like Le-Matoran, we of Ice fear the fiery Kofo-Jaga,” murmured Kopeke. “But we easily crack the hard Nui-Jaga and Sand Tarakava, beasts of Stone!”

“My people have always fought best against Fire Rahi, such as the Kofo-Jaga,” said Maku. “But the Earth-Rahi Kuma-Nui is hard for us to battle.”

“All Jagas feared by Le-Koro!” said Tamaru. “Send me instead against Earth-beast Kuma-Nui, and victory will I bring!”

Before Takua could reply, Tamaru shouted out, “Here come the Rahi!”

Everyone whirled. Surging out of the trees from the direction of Le-Koro were a horde of Nui-Rama and Nui-Kopen. All of the brave little Company fell into formation to protect the Temple, letting fly disc after disc until the Rahi fell back.

Then all went dark.

Perhaps the Rahi had struck a blow against Takua. No, he realized, this was a vision of what was transpiring below. Takua saw the Toa, only he didn’t see them whole. Instead, it was as though they had been taken apart. Their parts were mixing and combining together.

“It is here that we join. Spirit of Valor, hear me!” Tahu, Pohatu, and Onua had joined to become one. “I – am – Akamai!” he said.

Gali, Lewa, and Kopaka had also joined together. “Spirit of Wisdom, hear me!” he said. “I – am – Wairuha!”

“So, Wairuha, you are joined,” remarked Akamai. “Let us now choose a path and go into the darkness to face our destiny… be it good or ill.”

“Our way lies not together, Akamai,” replied Wairuha. “We must face what evils are before us alone. I choose this road. You take the other. With luck we will come together again, at the gates of Mangaia!”

With that, the two Toa Kaita parted ways. Takua was not certain, but he thought he saw two more eyes in the darkness awaken.

Takua awakened. The Rahi retreat had not lasted long, for another fierce battle, an onslaught of Nui-Jaga and Kofo-Jaga was breaking out. There were more of them this time, but they fought hard and held our ground.

“Chronicler, we have fallen back but have not lost yet!” Tamaru said. “The Kini-Nui is safe, if we stay between it and the Rahi!”

“Stay here!” Kapura counseled. “We can fall back, but not far. If they push us back over the Kini-Nui, all will be lost. We must win against the Rahi!”

“Stop them here,” Kopeke agreed. “It is here the Toa will return to, though it may be days. We must not fall back from here, whatever the cost.”

“In Ga-Koro we train in acrobatics,” said Maku. “I am quick enough to send against the fastest Rahi! In battle it is skill I rely on, rather than strength.”

“Stonecraft requires great dexterity!” said Hafu, more to the Rahi than to the team. “When I take aim, I hit my mark! And my strength, too, is to be reckoned with!”

“Whenua says I am the strongest in all of Onu-Koro,” added Taipu. “I just wish the Rahi would stand still!”

Discs flew furiously. The Rahi battled long and hard, but ultimately the Matoran were victorious.

Another vision overcame Takua. Akamai had stumbled upon a nest of crab-like creatures scuttling out of the darkness.

The Manas.

Another cry rang out and even more Rahi descended upon the team, a horde of Water and Sand Tarakava. Takua didn’t know how much longer they could hold out. The Company chattered among themselves, trying to keep their spirits up.

“We of Ko-Koro are balanced in strength and agility,” said Kopeke.

“Slow I am, and quick,” remarked Kapura. “Engaged, it is hard to avoid the blows of Rahi, or strike at the masks of the quick ones. But I travel instantly.”

“Like the great statues of Po-Koro I stand!” bragged Hafu. “I am not as stout as Taipu, perhaps, but far more clever!”

“In battle I am quick, Chronicler, and can often strike quickdodge Rahi,” said Tamaru. “Highjump and lowduck I do too! Strike lightly but often!” said Tamaru.

“Some of these Rahi are very big!” noted Maku. “If they manage to strike me I may not withstand it. But they will find that hard to do!”

“A long time ago many rocks fell on my head,” said Taipu. “That did not hurt much. Neither do these Rahi.”

Greatly battered and nearing exhaustion, the Company repelled the latest assault by the Rahi. Takua had no time to rest before he was overcome by darkness once more.

Wairuha too is beset by the horrible Manas. He fends off a frontal assault, but he is caught unaware by an attack from behind. A Manas strikes him a mighty blow, and Wairuha falls to the floor.

Once more the Rahi came, several vicious Kane-Ra, Muaka, and Kuma-Nui. The Matoran had no more energy for talking. Discs were flying once more. They fought hard, but it wes not going well. Several of the company had lost their masks and been forced to retreat.

As Maku fell back, she shouted. “Chronicler, they have forced us back! It may be many days before the Toa seek to return, but we must try to retake the Kini-Nui if we can!”

“Rahi are strong, hardluck have I lest quickdodge save me.” Tamaru grunted.

Even Hafu appeared to be struggling. “They have forced us back! If we do not retake Kini-Nui, not even I can be of help any longer!”

“It may be days before the Toa return, but we must try to get back the Temple, Chronicler.” Taipu urged.

Kopeke was trying to keep his spirits up. “Only hardy Matoran can withstand the wind and ice of Ko-Koro. These Rahi will find me tough to overcome.”

“I can go far without tiring, if it is your will, Chronicler,” Kapura called.

Then out of the forests they came. From all around they came. Rahi of every kind and size surrounded them.

“It’s horrible,” moaned Maku.

“There must be hundreds of Rahi out there,” groaned Hafu.

“We’re doomed, doomed!” added Taipu.

“I will stand with you Chronicler, no matter what,” said Kapura.

“I shall never see sing-song Le-Koro ever again. Oh, woe!” mourned Tamaru. And then he pointed to the sky and shouted. “Here they come!”

Several of the Nui-Rama folded their wings and entered freefall, barreling toward the helpless Matoran. Right as it was about to slam into them, something slammed into it. Its mask fell to the ground at their feet.

“Look to the sky!” cried Tamaru. “Kongu! It’s Kongu!”

Indeed, the Kahu riders of Le-Koro had arrived! And they were not alone. From the depths of the ground sprang forth Onepu and his regiments of Ussalry. Atop the peaks above them, Jala appeared along with his Guard from behind a ridge. They let fly a barrage of discs that toppled the flying Rahi from the air and pushed the ground waves back.

But Takua had little time to rejoice, for as the others were whooping and cheering, he blacked out.

✴        ✴        ✴

Wairuha got back up on his feet. Another Manas leaped at Wairuha, but Akamai had arrived and swatted it away. The victory was minor however. The two Toa Kaita were clearly outnumbered.

“This, then, is how it ends, Wairuha,” said Akamai.

“For these monsters also, Akamai!” replied Wairuha. “We will not go down without a fight!”

Another Manas struck, and Wairuha was knocked backward into a small metallic tower, destroying it. Sparks flew, and then one of the Manas went limp.

“Wairuha, wait!” shouted Akamai. “These strange towers… maybe…”

Soon, the two Toa Kaita were carving up control towers left and right. As they did, the Manas went dark and collapsed. Soon all of the Manas were lying lifeless on the floor.

“We have survived!” declared Akamai.

“For now,” Wairuha replied. “We were lucky. Wisdom provides only when valor is in its service.”

The two Toa Kaita moved toward a large, engraved door. It opened at their approach and they walked through it.

“I feel… strange,” said Akamai. “Feels like – being torn apart!”

And with that, the two Toa Kaita fell. In their place, the six Toa now stood.

“What has happened?” asked Tahu.

Gali answered. “The spirit of Makuta… is the spirit of destruction. This is his inner realm. The Toa Kaita cannot exist here.”

“The Manas nearly destroyed the Toa Kaita,” fretted Pohatu. “And the Makuta is ten times greater than they. What hope do we have?”

“The Toa Kaita merely gave physical form to the force of our unity,” Gali said. “We still possess it, in our hearts.”

“But the Toa Kaita’s wisdom and valor were unmatched,” Lewa interjected.

“Where wisdom and valor fail,” replied Tahu, “all that remains is faith. And it can overcome all.”

He looked around. “Gali is right. We must go on.”

All of the Toa nodded in agreement.

“Heed us, Chronicler!” Gali whispered, addressing Takua directly. “We step, now, through the gates of doom! Our link is broken. If you wish to fulfill your destiny, and record the last moments of this time, … you must find us.”

Her eyes narrowed. “FIND US!” she implored.

✴        ✴        ✴

“Chronicler, wake up!”

Takua struggled to open his eyes. Was that Maku talking? “Please wake up!” she exclaimed.

With a groan, the Chronicler sat up. The battle for Kini-Nui was over. The Rahi were gone and the Matoran were victorious. The Chronicler’s Company surrounded him, congratulating each other on their good fortune.

“You’ve survived!” Maku exclaimed, helping him to his feet.

“I am Highfly Vinesman and deepwood Wayfinder!” Tamaru laughed.

“Vakama will be heartened by this,” Kapura remarked.

“Are we to go on another adventure together?” asked Taipu.

“Rahi disappear, and Matau confused,” said Kongu, explaining their arrival at Kini-Nui. “Thought: Rahi fallback here, to destroy Kini-Nui. So fastfly we come, to aid!”

“The Kini-Nui is safe now,” said Jala. “I think, though, that this day’s trials are far from over. The Toa are still underground.”

“Something strange has happened in Onu-Koro,” said Onepu as Takua turned around. “Whenua says you should come there, and quickly. But not on foot. Take Puku! She followed us all the way here. I think she has been looking for you.”

Puku chortled and chirped as Takua climbed on. “OK, girl,” he muttered. “Let’s go!”

Following the tunnels the Ussalry had arrived from, Takua quickly arrived in Onu-Koro. It was good that Puku knows the way, for many of the tunnels had been barricaded. Takua quickly sought out Whenua.

“You are safe, Chronicler,” Whenua greeted him. “That is good. The Prophesies, then, are still truthful. They say Gali has called on you.”

Whenua guided Takua over to one of the tunnel shafts that had not been barred. “There has been a disturbance in the Great Mine. The Golden Mask you discovered has disappeared, and a passage has opened there. My workers are too afraid to go near it. We believe it is another entrance to the Makuta’s lair. It is your destiny to find the Toa, Chronicler, no matter what the outcome. I hope you have the courage to face it.”

Takua understood, and he hoped he did as well. Bidding Whenua goodbye, he headed for the Great Mine. Now was the time to face his destiny.

When he reached the bottom of the Great Mine, the Golden Mask was indeed gone. He could now approach the pedestal.

When he pushed the button, the pedestal disappeared into the floor. Suddenly, the walls retracted far away from him and the floor itself descended swiftly, down, down into the darkness below. It stopped when he reached the floor of a large, dark chamber.

Takua worked his way forward, past the damaged towers and the lifeless Manas, toward the large, open doorway.

✴        ✴        ✴

Through the doorway, he saw them. All six Toa had assembled around a swirling vortex of debris.

“Makuta!” shouted Tahu. “We have come!”

Before the eyes of the six Toa and the one Chronicler, from the unseen depths of the chamber, a small Matoran stepped forward.

“What?!” exclaimed Tahu in disbelief.

“I have been waiting for you,” sneered the Matoran as he stepped into the light. He was covered from head to toe in pockmarks, corrosion, and ooze.

“But you – you are –” objected Tahu.

“I am that which you are sworn to protect,” rumbled the Matoran.

“Tahu, it’s a trick!” interjected Kopaka. “We must destroy him!”

“Destroy me?” defied the Matoran. “You cannot destroy me. No more than you can destroy the sea, or the wind. Or… the void.”

“You are like the sea?” objected Gali. “The sea bears life! The sea bore us!”

“I bore you,” said the Matoran. “For I am Nothing. And out of Nothing, you came. And it is into Nothing that you will go. I stand with Mata Nui side by side. I am his brother. The people of the world are builders. But look into their hearts… and you will find that they also have the power to destroy. I am that power. I am destruction. And I WILL destroy you.”

“But…” said Tahu, still not believing, “you are but a Matoran!”

“You expected something else?” asked Makuta. “Something like THIS?!”

And as he said this, Makuta transformed himself, joining with the swirling debris. He reached out with long twisting arms to swat away the Toa, one by one. Even the protective forces of the Hau mask could not protect Onua as Makuta’s arms approached him from behind and took him unaware.

“Our only hope is to work together!” shouted Tahu over the now-roaring sound of the vortex.

Tahu brought the full force of fire upon Makuta in a swirling inferno of flame. Kopaka likewise let loose a stream of swirling ice. Gali directed a twisting torrent of water at Makuta. Lewa unleashed a vortex of his own in a strong gust of air. Onua summoned forth a blast of earth that reaches the Makuta at the same time as a mighty shockwave issued forth from Pohatu’s stomping foot. The converging forces of all six Toa were too much for Makuta to bear.

“You cannot destroy me,” growled Makuta defiantly as his energies dissapated. “For I am Nothing.”

With that, the vortex collapsed and Makuta was gone. It appeared that the Toa had completed their task, for they were now being teleported, one by one, out of the chamber.

“But – what has happened to the Chronicler?” asked Gali. And then she too was transported away.

Takua peeked out from behind the now-lifeless pile of debris. There was a door on the other side of the chamber. He stepped through it and discovered a room that stretched endlessly in each direction. The wall was not solid, but was instead a collection of stacked pods. He moved closer to get a look into one of the pods.

As he gazed into the pod to see what was inside, he noticed something moving as if awakening from a very long sleep. Suddenly, it looked right at him and he got a funny feeling that perhaps he should not be here.

The creature came bursting out of its pod and faced Takua. As he turned and ran, he heard another. And another. And another…

He was running as fast as he could away from the creatures, desperately trying to find a way out of the chambers and back to the surface. Then he saw it: a golden device with a missing piece. Somehow it seemed familiar.

Then he realized it: he knew that piece! He had it in his backpack.

He was searching desperately in his backpack for it. No, not the flute. Not the Heat Stone or the letter or the ensign. Ah, there it was! The golden chisel!

Takua placed the chisel into the device. Instantly he was surrounded by a bubble of energy and lifted from the floor, even as the creatures converged upon him. He was floating up, upward out of the chamber. Then he was whisked swiftly along a dark tunnel. A door opened up ahead, and he was spat out upon a beach.

✴        ✴        ✴

To his shock, he was back where he’d started the adventure, spat out by the portal in the stone face carved into the cliff. Vakama was here, watching the water and waiting for Takua. The Chronicler went to him.

“So. You have surprised us again, Chronicler,” said Vakama. “We feared your courage led you to a final adventure. But it seems you may have many more in the future.”

The Turaga looked at Takua. “You seem afraid. I know what you saw in that cave. Our Prophesies said the Makuta’s defeat would end our troubles. But the Prophesies have changed. Something yet darker looms ahead of us. But for now, put these thoughts from your mind. There are many reasons for the people of Mata Nui to rejoice!”

Vakama looked back over the water. “When we first met, and you found my mask – and my Firestaff – and indeed fulfilled requests for all the Turaga – you were thought to be an outcast. No Matoran travels from village to village, having adventures. The people of Ta-Koro did not trust you and feared your adventurous ways. They were certain it would bring us ill luck.”

The Turaga turned and directed Takua back up the beach, in the direction of Ta-Koro. “But you have proven us all wrong, Takua. You stand like the Toa among Mata Nui’s greatest heroes. Come! Let us leave this windy beach and return to the light and heat of Ta-Koro. Many friends await you there.”

Takua looked up into the night sky. The red star had moved into its final position from the telescope panels. Then all around it the sky erupted with many beautiful colors as fireworks went off in celebration. After such a long adventure, it was good to be going home.