Chapter Two

Takua had found himself back where he had started. The large face sculpture still stared out of the cliff and the canister now securely rested on the shore. In the distance, he could see a bird circling an unusual rocky outcropping that reached out and overlooked the sea. Near the top was the telescope and shine he had spotted earlier. Moreover, as he started toward it, he spotted a series of stone steps leading up.

“Hey! You!”

Takua turned to see a villager like those he had seen in Ta-Koro, waving at him. Unlike those villagers — no, ‘Matoran,’ was the word Kapura, Jala, and Vakama had used to describe them — this one was bright blue, and she looked exhausted. Behind her, a large green boat floats in the water.

As Takua started toward her, her glowing yellow eyes widened. “Help! Help me! My village has been attacked!”

“Who are you?” asked the amnesiac.

“Do you not remember?”

“I hit my head,” Takua grinned sheepishly. “Pretty bad.”

“My name is Maku, of Ga-Koro,” the blue Matoran replied quickly. “Ga-Koro lies between the sea and Lake Naho, down the coast. It’s a great village of many Matoran, and our leader is the Turaga Nokama. I fear much of it has been destroyed by now!”

“What happened?”

Maku hesitated, unsure of where to start. “I – I was away when the Rahi attacked, and when I returned the monsters were everywhere, destroying everything in sight! Nokama and the others barricaded themselves into a hut to hide, but the Rahi broke the pump and the hut sank beneath the waves!”

As she spoke, her tale was nearly as vivid as the one Vakama had shared. The inhabitants of the floating green village of Ga-Koro had been going about their daily lives when a dark monster with powerful forearms ominously arose out of the water. The Rahi wreaked devastating havoc, and the inhabitants ran and fled it, chased until they were all cornered in one small hut. Then, the door to the hut was sealed.

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Takua is scared, and with no memory of his past or who he is, he feels he does not know where to begin. “I’m sorry,” he begins, “I cannot help you now.”

The Ga-Matoran started to pace anxiously. “I should never have left them! Oh what will I do now?”

Takua frowned. “Is there really no one else who can help?”

Suddenly, Maku grabbed Takua’s arm. “Have you changed your mind? Will you help us? Please, there is no time. My people are in great danger. Will you help me?”

Takua’s eyes softened, moved by the urgency in her voice and compelled by a sense of adventure that reached out of his past.

“Yes,” he said, “I will help you.”

Maku nodded. “Go to Ga-Koro and find Nokama. She is very wise and might have a plan for escape! I will try to find Gali. If the Rahi are near the village, she is the only one who can defeat them. She’s on a great quest and may be very far away. The only way to get to Ga-Koro from here is by sea, so you must take my boat, and I will search for the Toa on foot. Good luck! And tell Nokama that I am safe!”

✴        ✴        ✴

Takua watched the seas grimly as Maku’s boat bounced across the waves. It was not long before he spotted a pillar of smoke, practically an arrow pointing to the otherwise-inconspicuous village.

He glided through the calm waters of Ga-Koro to a halt on the beach not far away. In the distance, three waterfalls cascade down from a cliff, which had been carved into a mysterious mask shape. The village itself was built atop large lily pads that floated in the bay.

The lone Matoran walked to the gate to the village. The gate was locked and closed, with stones of various sizes strewn about the sand. A single shell hung from one side of the gate. On the other side hung a large rock as a counterweight. At the top of the gate was an inscription of circular letters that read ‘GA KORO.’

Beneath the letters was a circle within a circle. Both the outer and inner circles had a small blue stone, and as Takua added rocks to the shell, the inner circle rotated, bringing the blue stones closer together. When the two blue stones aligned, the gate opened and he proceeded onto the large green floating pads of Ga-Koro.

The destruction was evident in the dome huts, most of which were flooded. As he walked up the main path, he spotted at the far end of one of the pads, a strange pump-like machine sitting idle. A large pipe stuck up out of the water. He took a closer look at the pipe.

“Who is that? Who’s there?” came from the pipe. “Hurry my friend – you are our only hope!”

“Maku sent me to rescue you!” Takua said quickly.

“Maku escaped? We were so worried about her!” exclaimed the voice in the pipe. “We are trapped here underwater! The door is stuck and we can’t open it! If the village pumps are repaired, the hut will rise to the surface, and we can escape. The Rahi smashed them and pieces fell into the water. If you can find the missing piece and put it back in the pump machine, it will float us back up! I left a Lightstone in my hut. It might help you see underwater. Please hurry!”

Takua nodded. “Hold on. I’ll be right back!”

“Hurry back!” the voice replied urgently. “I don’t know how much longer we can survive in here, and the Rahi may return!”

✴        ✴        ✴

As he scoured the huts, Takua found a glowing crystal he guessed was the Lightstone the voice had spoken of. In another he found a backpack where he could store both his Lightstone and the Lavaboard he had been lugging around. In still a third he discovered a pool from which he could descend into the water. Wasting no time, he jumped in.

As he plunged, the sight alone almost took his breath away. Below, there was no indication of the destruction above. The rainbow-colored reef was peaceful and calm. Fish danced about the ocean, running through his legs, and starfish basked in the dim sunlight.

A glint of crystal caught his eye, beneath the pipe he had been just using. Directly below it lay a full hut completely submerged in the ocean. Behind one of the crystal windows he could see more blue villagers like Maku, as well as a tall blue elder like Vakama. They motioned to him and pounded upon the door, as if pointing to something.

The missing piece of the pump must be down here! Takua realized.

Takua swam around in circles, scanning the reef, but unable to find anything. He was starting to grow desperate and running worrying low on air, when suddenly he remembered the Lightstone. He took it out and shone it upon the waters. Then, to his surprise, something he had dismissed as a starfish upon the rocks instead gleams with a metallic reflection.

This must be it!

Wasting no time, Takua retrieved it and headed back to the surface, back to the pump. The voice from the pipe seemed to hear his footsteps, because he heard the voice again. “Ahh, it’s you my friend! Have you found the missing piece yet?”

“I’ve found it,” he replied. “Now I just have to figure out how it works.”

He placed the gear back into the pump and pressed the button. The pump sprang to life and started rumbling. Before long, the submerged green dome popped back to the surface and the grateful villagers poured forth.

But there was no time for celebration.

A terrifying explosion of water erupted from behind Takua, and as he whirled, he recognized the Rahi from Maku’s description springing from the water. It leaped into the fray, attacking villagers and sending them running, when, out of nowhere, another creature leaped from the sea and stood between them.

A fierce battle ensued, and the two combatants exchanged blows until the Toa leaped onto the Rahi’s back, driving it into the water.

For a long, hard moment the ocean was still. Fearing the worst, the villagers crowded around, attempting to peer into the sea and scanning for life.

The Rahi erupted from the ocean… and lurched to the side, stunned. Behind it stood Gali, holding the Rahi’s gruesome mask triumphantly.

Gali, the Toa of Water, had come.

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The mighty defender of Ga-Koro did not stick around long to celebrate her victory however. Lingering only long enough to explore the village and consult privately with the Turaga, she was soon off, determined to seek out the first of her Kanohi masks. Nearly as quickly as she arrived, she was gone.

As Takua wandered around Ga-Koro, he happened to see that the hostile Rahi was actually being tended to by one of the villagers. “This is the Tarakava that attacked the village,” the villager tells me. “Don’t be afraid… he is no longer under the dark influence of Makuta.”

The Ta-Koro native stepped over to pet him, but the villager waved him off. “Shhh… he is resting,” she says, although I am not aware that I am making any noise. “He has been through a great ordeal. In time he may be tamed. Sometimes Rahi become infected by Makuta’s darkness. Only by removing their mask can they be saved.”

Takua frowned. “If the Rahi are this hostile, how have any villages stood before their might?”

“Makuta has sent many Rahi against the villages, but never any this powerful. Not until now,” the Rahi tamer explained softly. “In recent times, he unleashed a mighty onslaught to kidnap the Turaga and steal the Toa stones,” she nodded at Takua, although he didn’t know why, “and it was only after their recovery that it abated. But like many waves, it pulled away, receding in anticipation of a more powerful surge. The Rahi wave Makuta has sent now dwarfs anything he has unleashed until now.”

“I see,” Takua nodded. “And what’s your role in all this?”

“I am Kotu,” the tamer bowed slightly. “I care for the Rahi that have been freed from Makuta’s spell. I and other Ga-Matoran patrol the seas on the Razor Whales we have saved. Our naval defenses are the only thing that stands the island from Makuta’s marine assaults.”

“What sort of Rahi is that?”

“Oh, this?” she asked, retrieving a sponge from the corner and began scrubbing the Rahi. “This is a Tarakava. Powerful punching arms atop fast-moving treads. Formidable on land, but far scarier underwater. Unlike the other sea Rahi Makuta has corrupted, the amphibious nature of the Tarakava makes them perfect for harrowing us in these dark times.”

“Huh,” Takua remarked, observing the Tarakava’s lean form, and the powerful muscles lining its lanky, wiry mechanical frame. “Well, I’ll see you two around then.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea,” Kotu winked. “It’s not serious ALL the time. When the Rahi aren’t attacking, it’s fun to prank the others. Or to go racing. You should race us again sometime.”

Takua shivered as he stepped back into the sunlight. The familiarity so many had with him made the blank void that was his past that much more disturbing.

The villagers had quickly returned to their fishing and daily tasks. There would be much work to do before the village was restored. As he walked through the village, some villagers stopped him eagerly, “Thank you! You saved our village, friend! After the Rahi attack, there is still much work to do restoring Ga-Koro. Nokama is looking for you, she has something of great importance for you to do.”

As they wandered off again, Takua basked in the glow of the praise. Some fishers nearby were shouting excitedly. “I once caught a fish THIS big!” Then, seeing she had caught Takua’s attention, she waved him over. “Hail, hero! Thanks for saving us! Now we can go back to our fishing! Nokama is looking for you: she has something of great importance for you to do.”

Takua would go see to the Turaga, but first he wanted to make sure all was well in the village. Heading over to the village dock, he noticed the boat he and Maku had been riding from Ta-Wahi to Ga-Koro was now roped and secured. He started toward it, but a guard stopped him.

“The marina is closed for repairs until further notice,” she said. “They say it may take until the flowers are in full bloom.”

That wouldn’t be long at all, Takua knew, for the buds were already full. Although he needed to get to Po-Wahi, this delay would mean he had some time on his hands. “Nokama is looking for you,: the guard added, “She has something of great importance for you to do.”

It was a familiar refrain, and Takua had gotten the idea. Starting back up the path, he headed for the village square. But on his way, he happened to spot one of the homes which had a familiar blue mask inside. Maku had already found her way back to her hut and was holding her head anxiously.

“I’ve heard that there’s trouble in Po-Koro,” she explained. “Oh no, poor Huki… Why does Nokama make me stay in the village at a time like this? Huki might need me!”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Takua asked.

“You have already done so much,” Maku shook her head. “But if you speak to the Turaga, please ask if I may be permitted to travel to Po-Koro. Perhaps she will listen to you more than she did to me…”

She didn’t have to ask twice. Takua quickly left her hut and located the one belonging to Turaga Nokama, the largest in the village, and not merely due to her taller stature. Many meetings were held here.

As he stepped inside, the Turaga smiled warmly at him. “Thank you for rescuing us. You are bold and true to your word. All the Matoran of Ga-Koro owe you their gratitude. For once I am glad that Maku snuck away from the village, so that she could find you!” she glowed.

“I am pleased to have helped this beautiful village,” Takua bowed.

“Yes,” the Turaga nodded, “And not for the first time.”

For a split-second, Takua’s eyes slid away pensively. He looked back quickly, but the glance did not escape the keen Turaga. She took a step closer.

“Your eyes are filled with questions about the mysteries of Mata Nui my friend. Giving you some of the answers you seek is small payment for your deeds, but I offer you what knowledge I can. Our astrologer has seen great changes in the skies, and has read the dark future of Mata Nui. The Toa have come and begun their mighty quests to save us from the Makuta. And yet here, in the midst of this upheaval, are you, a brave wanderer in this dangerous land. How may I help you?”

“Who am I?” Takua blurted out.

Nokama shrugged. “It is a good question, my friend, given what you have done. I think someone has plans for you that are greater than your stature would suggest. Perhaps you are to be a hero like the Toa. I do not know.”

“No,” Takua shifted his weight between feet. “I have forgotten my past. Everyone recognizes me, but I have no memory of them.”

Nokama looked out the window. “Yes… The Matoran have forgotten their civilization. Even the Turaga do not have record of all that has come before… But the ocean remembers. Like history, the water holds many secrets in its forbidden depths. It surrounds Mata Nui, and it covers it; it watches the island as it sleeps, and remembers. It caught the Toa gently when they descended, and delivered them to us.”

The Turaga looked at Takua. “You are an absolute in these uncertain times. Your past is forgotten, and your future is an empty book. You must find your own destiny, my brave adventurer.”

Uncomfortable, and desiring to change the subject, Takua gestured to a mask carved in the far wall of the hut, which resembled the mask of the villager’s earlier defender. “Who is Gali?” he asked.

“Gali, the Toa of water, the great hero of Ga-Koro. Like the other Toa, she descended from the heavens to save us from the Makuta. She is wise, and strong, and quick. Gali is the protector of the sea, and of the lakes and rivers that feed it. Her Mask of Power lets her breathe freely beneath the waves.”

“What of Maku?” Takua asked, “She has asked for your permission to travel to Po-Koro.”

Turaga Nokama frowned. “Maku often sneaks out of the village to spy on Huki, the Koli champion. She tells me she is just practicing her boating, but I know the truth. And it is far too dangerous for her to be outside the village now. For her own safety, I will forbid her to go, even though her wandering saved us this time.”

The Turaga gestured at Takua. “If in your travels to Po-Koro, you should meet Huki, tell him she is safe. He may have heard of the attack and will be worried.”

“Thank you,” Takua bowed. “Goodbye.”

“Good luck, brave adventurer,” Nokama replies.

Before he left Ga-Koro, Takua wished to pay a visit to an enigmatic figure he had seen wandering the village during the repairs. She had carried a small telescope to her hut, one that resembled the one he had seen earlier. Tracking her to her hut, he asked her what she was doing.

“…” she observed Takua.

Takua asked, “Who are you?”

“I am the astrologer,” she explained. “I watch the stars, and the water.”

“What are you doing?”

“I am charting changes in the skies. Many important things are happening around Mata Nui, and many more will happen. I use the telescope on the cliff. It tells what will happen, and when,” she tells me.

“How do I use the telescope?” Takua asked. “I saw the telescope you spoke of, but I don’t know how it works.”

“It’s very simple,” she replied. “Around the base of the telescope are pictures. They are constellations, patterns of stars in the night sky, and markings that show the prophecies of legends. Each picture has a red star in it. When the Red Star reaches a certain place in the heavens, it means something important will happen here on Mata Nui: one of the prophecies. When you look through the telescope, you will see many stars, and one of them is the Red Star.”

The astrologer gestured to some charts on her wall. “Look at the constellations near the Red Star. They will look like the ones in the pictures. When the Red Star is exactly where it is shown in one of the pictures, then a prophecy may come true.”

She pointed at herself. “If something changes in the sky, it is my job to change the pictures, so that I can better see the future. Even though we Matoran remember the prophecies, nothing is certain … the future can change. If you can read the numbers in the telescope, it is even easier to tell the future.”

Takua nodded, fascinated.

“Have you any other questions for me?” the Astrologer asked abruptly. “The heavens are in turmoil, and I must chart their fluctuations.”

“Goodbye.” Takua had no further questions, so he left. Knowing that a fast journey to the telescope wouldn’t take long, he located the boat, now moored at the dock, and sailed back to Ta-Wahi to get a closer look at the mysterious telescope.

✴        ✴        ✴

When his boat docked again at the Ta-Wahi beach, Takua did not head directly to the enigmatic telescope on the cliff. Instead, he made his way inland to inform Jala of Ga-Wahi’s liberation.

But as he arrived at Jala’s quarters, the Captain seemed to have already learned of this victory. “I have heard of your exploits in Ga-Koro!” Jala greeted him warmly. “Excellent work, my friend! But take care. My scouts have reported a build up in Rahi and I fear a massive counter-offensive.”

Leaving the captain to his grim work, the traveler made his way down the beach. Takua climbed up the many steps to the telescope that sat atop a column out over the water. There were ten panels engraved upon its shrine-like base, each with one red stone.

Each panel appeared to portend an event. The panels were divided into two parts: top and bottom. Each top picture was adorned with stars. The biggest star was always embellished with a red stone. The bottom panels seemed to tell a story. He recognized the cylindrical vessel, the tall fiery stranger, and Toa Gali. Other panels featured creatures he had not seen before and events he did not yet understand.

Inside the telescope, Takua discovered the amazing controls of the magnificent machine. There were circles here like those at the very bottom of the panels outside, only the images inside these circles were changing. In the center of the display, he could clearly see the stars in the heavens. As he scanned the sky, he paused when an eerie, bright red star came into view. For some reason he could not explain, the sight of it gave him chills.

As he left the telescope, he noticed some distance back from the telescope something he’d passed without paying much attention to: a stone monument consisting of one pale rounded stone and one black jagged stone. At the base were six smaller polished stones. As he gazed upon it, he realized with a start that he had seen these exact stones in the strange dream from which he’d awakened earlier.

The visit to Ga-Koro had provided many more answers, but it still had not yet shaken loose his memories of the past. But now he had a new mission, for he had to find a way to Po-Koro to tell Huki that Maku was safe. He would need to head to Ga-Koro first, where he found repairs on the dock had been completed. Hoping on the ferry, he was confident it would take him to the village of Po-Koro.