That Was Then…This Is Now

[Kokua aviatrix]

The Shadowed One glared out of a window in his quarters as rain lashed against the panes.
"Something is needed that is unexpected." He thought stalking out of the room, his tail twitching with frustration.
Un-noticed by him or anyone else in the fortress, another flash of lightening illuminated the sky as a partially drowned figure was washed up on the beach.
The storm raged for most of the night, leaving piles of debris scattered over several training areas and the surrounding land.

…

Grumbling under his breath, Gearan glared angrily at Bladair while Cuife trailed behind as the Dark Hunters made for the storm damaged area.
"Did you have to make that wisecrack?" he growled as the trio reached the nearest pile of flotsam and began hauling it back towards the sea.
"Three weeks triple training and clearing this muck up. All because you couldn’t keep your gob shut!" the dull green Hunter snidely added, pulling at a large piece of driftwood.
"Well it did look like that symbol that Matoran dote on." Bladair muttered while trying to lift a larger pile of flotsam than Gearan.
"Oy Cuife, quit daydreamin' and help!" the tall dingy brown Hunter yelled before he sniggered as Gearan landed on his rump when the wood he was pulling at suddenly came free.

"Something needs help." A deep slow voice came from the behemoth as he turned from where he’d been looking, Bladair rolled his eyes then he and Gearan paused as the sounds of coughing and retching reached them.
Joining Cuife, the pair watched a small figure attempting to push itself up from the ground, "What do you think? A new training target or something to show the Shadowed One?" Cuife rumbled after several moments.

"How about both." Gearan replied before all three jumped as someone snapped angrily, "Skiving again, make that quadruple training!" Lariska’s acidic tones lashed at them while she stalked around the hapless trio.
"It was…" Gearan started to speak then found himself flat on the ground, blood streaming from his nose.
Before the others could move, the Dark Hunteress spotted the figure staggering to its feet, and take a few steps before falling over.
"Pitiful looking thing." Bladair snorted then swiftly moved back just in case.
Ignoring the disgraced Dark Hunters, Lariska approached the huddled figure, drawing her daggers as she went.

Still feeling weak, Rionna blearily looked up at the tall armed being glaring down at her, "Stand up!" the tall female snapped.
After watching the strange being struggling for a few minutes, Lariska growled impatiently before tucking her daggers away then hauled the being up and over her shoulder.

"You lot get back to work." She snapped while walking past the watching trio then carried on back to the fortress.
Knowing from bitter experience that their protests that they found the being would be ignored, the Dark Hunters returned to their punishment, grumbling under their breaths.

"Ow!" a gasp came from the being Lariska had flung over her shoulder, and then she turned her head slightly to look up at the one carrying her.
Rionna blinked puzzled and was about to ask where she was when the Dark Hunteress growled in frustration before shoving a door open and heading down the corridor.
"Weird looking critter." Thok muttered before absently filching some of Avak’s cleaning rags for his own use, "Hmm." came the reply as the brown Piraka watched until the Huntress stopped abruptly as a dull hued Hunter blocked her path.

Several minutes passed as the one in the way leered suggestively at Lariska while refusing to move, then Rionna watched stunned as the one carrying her erupted in a blur of motion which left the arrogant one sliding down the wall, gasping for breath.
"Oh man, I’m in trouble!" Rionna thought, managing to catch a glimpse of the damage wrought on the now unconscious Dark Hunter while her captor knocked on a set of doors.

Several minutes passed, then one was opened by a smaller figure, which bowed and held the door open for the Dark Hunter before it hurried off on some errand.

Feeling the one she carried shiver, Lariska smiled coldly and when the Shadowed One nodded, his eyes glinting with interest, moved to the centre of the room and dumped her burden before him.
"Those idiots spotted this on the beach." The Dark Hunter explained briefly, several minutes passed as no one moved, then the Shadowed One lent forwards, his eyes narrowing as the strange being in front of his throne glanced around nervously.

"It does indeed look weak and pitiful, and we all know that Toa have a deep-seated death wish to protect those kind." his cold voice matching the temperature of the room.
Rionna breathed in sharply, stunned by the realization of where she was, as those in the room laughed venomously.
"I won’t let you use me!" a clear voice suddenly rang out, causing a deathly silence to spread through out the room.
The Shadowed One shot out of his throne and grabbed the being by her throat, "You have no say in the matter." He growled as his eyes began glowing menacingly.

"Sentrahk, take her to the laboratory. I’ll be along later." He then ordered the being who’d been standing near by just watching silently as events unfolded.
Struggling in the iron grip of Sentrahk’s arms, Rionna caught a glimpse of the Dark Hunteress who’d carried her into the chamber, and another moving closer to the Shadowed One before those leaving closed the door.
While Sentrahk headed for the lab, Rionna continued trying to free herself, thumping at his arms.

“Let me go, you tin plated moron!” she yelled as they reached the lab and the door was opened by another of the smaller figures, it bowed then watched as the yellow and black being carried his struggling captive over to one of the cages and flung her into it.

Winded, Rionna rubbed her sprained ankle while the door slammed closed, then shifted as far from it as possible while cautiously watching those moving round outside.
From the cage joining the one she was in there came a low sigh followed by the sound of straw crackling, slowly Rionna glanced round to find another being watching her.
Slowly a spark of curiosity dawned in the watcher’s dull and weary eyes and he slowly shifted closer to the bars.

“Toa?” Rionna whispered stunned, her eyes taking in the emaciated, maskless and armourless pale chestnut form now leaning against the bars.
“By the light!” she whispered in shock, realizing his legs and one arm were missing, he nodded in reply to her comment then sighed again, “I’m…”

The door slammed open as the Shadowed One stalked into the room, causing those tidying to jump and scatter, Rionna and the Toa also jumped.
Seeing her reaction, the towering Dark Hunter smiled maliciously; with him was a dingy grey Hunter who cracked his knuckles in anticipation, “She looks perfect for your plan.” he growled, the Shadowed One nodded, a cold smile on his mask.
“But I’m forgetting my manners. You must be very thirsty.” he said, attempting to sound friendly while taking a water canister out and throwing it to Rionna.
“Oy, stumpy! What you think you’re doin?” the Dark Hunter beside the Shadowed One growled as the maimed Toa reached out to squeeze his fellow captive’s shoulder in warning.

The canister had landed at Rionna’s feet and while the Toa slumped back, she picked it up and shook it before throwing it as far from her as the bars would allow, "I’m not thirsty." she replied, though desperate for a drink.
“Tough!” the Shadowed One snarled, unlocking the cage door and nodding to the one standing beside him, quickly the Dark Hunter entered the cage and caught hold of the defiant being.
For several moments, she managed to cling onto the bars until the dingy grey Hunter prised her hands loose and pinioned her under his arm, scooping up the canister as he left the cage.

“Hold her nose.” the Shadowed One said, undoing the lid and swirling the contents of the canister around, his eyes glowing evilly as Rionna struggled to avoid the Dark Hunter’s hand.
The maimed Toa of Stone watched helplessly as his fellow captive fought silently until she had to gasp for breath then the contents of the canister were forced down her throat.

Sinister chuckles came from the Shadowed One and his minion while Rionna spluttered, her eyes flickering as the drugged draught took effect.
A strange lethargy came over Rionna and everything felt distant as she went limp and was carried somewhere and placed down, “Make sure she can’t move.” A harsh voice snarled from close by.
While Rionna tried to focus on things around her, the servants hurried to do the Shadowed One’s orders.

When they’d finished tightening the straps around the drugged female, they scattered as the Shadowed One went to the work area and lifted down a canister, which glowed with an eerie red light from a cupboard.
The dingy grey Hunter looked on with interest as his boss carefully emptied the contents into a large syringe.

Rionna was dimly aware of her t-shirt being tugged up to show her midriff, then something cold brushed over the area below her ribs.
“Just there is perfect.” the malicious voice of the Shadowed One broke the silence as the vague sensation of something sharp rested against her side.

A low moan came from the bound form of the captive as the Shadowed One injected the contents of the canister, a vicious smile in his eyes, while the dingy grey Hunter spoke, “It’ll take a couple days for it to gestate.”

"Spirits protect her!" the Toa of Stone thought as the Dark Hunter began undoing the straps holding his fellow captive down as the Shadowed One watched before glancing over to where the pale chestnut Toa watched helplessly.
“I’ve not forgotten you.” he hissed as his minion carried the limp form of Rionna back into the cage and dropped her on the straw before slamming the door and locking it.

The pair then left, the Shadowed One laughing sinisterly, when the laughter faded from earshot, Kûri pulled himself as close as he could to where the limp figure lay.
“Can you hear me?” he whispered, watching the still form of his fellow captive anxiously.
Roughly fifteen minutes passed, then a low whisper reached his ears, “Yes.” came the faint reply as a hand rose up and waved weakly before flopping back onto the straw.

More time passed and Rionna found enough strength to brush some of the straw to one side so that she could see the watching Toa, a smile flickered briefly as she whispered, “I can see you.” before slipping back into unconsciousness.
Kûri watched as the female lay there, his eyes going over her face, "Yes, you are the one who is part of my destiny." he thought, then settled as comfortably as he could and wondered if his closefriend still thought of him.

Several hours passed before Rionna became fully aware of her surroundings again and slowly raised her head to look for the Toa she’d seen earlier.
Some of the servants had returned to the lab and one was pushing a dish into the Toa’s cage, another watched cautiously as Rionna sat up, then pushed the dishes he carried into her cage.
“Thank you.” she whispered, even though the very sight of the food made her feel sick, the servant blinked then went to tidy some apparatus near by, surreptiously watching the female as he’d been ordered.

Brushing a hand over her side, Rionna winced at the tender area then moved to pick up the bowl of water and took a small sip.
“What is your name?” the Toa asked softly when his fellow captive had placed the water bowl down and was prodding the food curiously.
The green eyed being shifted closer to the bars and smiled, “It’s Rionna. Were you about to tell me yours when they came?”
“Yes, it’s Kûri.” he replied, curiously peering at what Rionna wore, “Please, tell me about yourself.” he then asked as she settled back in the straw, having moved to pick up the food dish.

Un-noticed by them, the spying servant moved closer as Rionna began speaking, telling Kûri about what she was, where she came from and when he asked her hair and clothing.

“So how did you get here?” he asked after thinking on all that the human had told him, Rionna sighed, “I’m not sure. One moment I was preparing to watch the brightest display of northern lights for a while. The next I’m floundering in a stormy sea, feeling dizzy and confused.”

She fell silent and rubbed the still tender area under her ribs while Kûri lent back against the bars and the spying servant quietly hurried off to make his report.
“Would you like this, I don’t feel hungry.” Rionna asked a few minutes later, stifling a yawn as she offered Kûri the untouched food.
“Thank you.” he replied, glancing worriedly at his new friend, concerned at how pale she looked, “What did they do to me?” Rionna enquired after she’d passed the food through to her friend and pushed as much of the straw as she could closer to where Kûri sat.


maskofdestiny.proboards52.com/index.cgi?board=creativeoutlet&action=display&thread=1184

[Kokua aviatrix]

While Kûri explained what he’d seen, Rionna curled up in the straw and watched him, “No wonder my side hurts.” she murmured, wincing again before tugging her t-shirt up.
“Spirits!” Kûri whispered while Rionna swore loudly, where the injection had gone in was a small glowing mark, the same colour as the contents of the canister.

While pulling her top down, Rionna suddenly clamped a hand to her mouth then scrambled for the far side of the cage where she was violently sick.

“Ooooh, shouldn’t have drunk so much water.” came the reply when Kûri anxiously called out to her.
Brushing her hair back, Rionna suddenly realized the remaining servant was standing beside her cage; he glanced around nervously then passed her a damp cloth.
While she wiped her face, he silently cleared the mess up then covered the area with fresh straw.
“Sorry ‘bout that.” Rionna whispered, passing the cloth back, her cheeks glowing with embarrassment, “Just don’t let him know.” came the reply, as the servant hurried away.

Rionna nodded and made her way back to the straw pile, settling on it she quietly reassured her worried friend that she’d be alright.
“I should feel better after a rest.” she added yawning again, reaching through the bars into her cage, Kûri gently squeezed his friend’s shoulder then sat back and watched her drift into sleep.

~*~

It was the middle of the night when Rionna woke again and glanced around at the lab, to her surprise a small glowing green stone had been placed just inside the bars of her cage. Curious, she quickly moved to pick it up and returned to where she’d slept, whispering Kûri’s name as she knelt back down.
“I’m not asleep.” Came the whispered reply as he shifted closer to the bars. Rionna showed him the pebble-sized stone and told him where she’d found it, “Looks like you’ve made a friend. It took him years to pluck up the courage to occasionally help me.” Kûri whispered before telling her how to brighten and dim the lightstone.
"I'll hide it, I don't want him to get into trouble." she whispered back, slipping the lightstone deep into a pocket, "Any idea what the time is?" she added, absently tugging straw out her hair.
"Rougly half past two." Kûri yawned, blinking sleepily. On seeing just how tired he was, Rionna shifted closer to the bars, "If you want to sleep, I'll keep watch." she said as the Toa fought to keep his eyes open.
"Thanks Rio..." came the reply as Kûri fell asleep mid sentence. Resting her chin on her knees, the human peered round at the dimly lit lab pondering again on what had occured.

...

A soft noise reached Rionna a while later, and on peering around anxiously realized that it was Kûri. The pale chestnut Toa lay on his side, his hand reaching out as if to try and touch someone while tears ran down his face.
Reaching through the bars, Rionna managed to reach his hand and gently squeezed it, slowly Kûri's hand closed round hers and he began to wake up.
"Namis, I..." Kûri mumbled, still not fully awake while his gaze slowly focused on Rionna's puzzled expression, then he flushed and muttered an apology while letting her hand go. "It's alright, you looked so unhappy." Rionna said, sitting up and stretching the kink out of her shoulder.

"Who's Namis?" she asked a few minutes later, watching curiously at Kûri as he gazed into space lost in his memories. Several minutes passed then the pale chestnut Toa sighed, "She is my closefriend." he murmured, a wistful look in his eyes. Uncertain just what he meant, the human looked puzzled then murmured, after several moments of awkward silence, "I'm sorry I didn't know."
Glancing over to where she sat, Kûri saw that her face was red with embarrassment and chuckled softly, "It's alright, honestly. Look at what she gave me one midwinter festival."

[Kokua aviatrix]

Still highly embarrassed, Rionna peered curiously at her friend, then slipped her hand through the bars when he held his closed fist out. “It’s beautiful.” She whispered, holding the small blue glass ring up to catch the faint light, Kûri smiled, “Try it on.” He replied when she went to pass it back to him.
“You sure?” she asked, then when he nodded, tried the ring on several fingers, “It fits…but how?” the startled human glanced at her fellow captive in surprise.
Kûri smiled, “Namis found it on a beach, she always insisted that there was something special about it.” He replied.
Rionna was about to returned the ring to Kûri when the door creaked open and the servant who’d passed Rionna the damp cloth entered and glanced anxiously over to the cages before holding two fingers up in a silent warning before going over to the work area and began placing items out.
“Hide the ring and feign sleep.” Kûri whispered as he shifted back from the bars. Rionna had just enough time to slip it into the same pocket as the lightstone and curl up in the straw before the door slammed open and the lightstones brightened.
Watching from under her arm, Rionna glared at the Shadowed One as he and the dingy grey Dark Hunter went over to the work area and began mixing things together.

“Crion, get our little test subject.” The leader of the Dark Hunters growled roughly half an hour later as he passed a canister to him minion. Chuckling wickedly, the dingy grey Hunter sauntered over to the cage where Rionna was now sitting up.
“Time for your medicine.” He growled, entering the cage and approaching Rionna as she stood up. “Take it yourself!” she retorted, ducking his first attempt to grab her and tried to get to the door, as she did, he whirled round and caught her by the waist.

After several minutes of struggling and cursing, the dingy grey Hunter, now sporting a black eye, dumped Rionna’s limp but conscious form onto the table.
“Little Muaka.” He growled, tightening the straps around the captive with unnecessary force, the Shadowed One just smiled grimly, “With what Lariska said about that conniving Air Toa and the plans made, this will speed up the virus in our little ‘test subject’.”
“So the test will happen later today.” He added, glancing briefly over to the cage where the maimed Toa had propped himself against the bars and was watching silently.

As the sinister green liquid was injected into the same place as the virus, Rionna twitched, screamed and lost consciousness. “It’s much more fun when they do that.” The Shadowed One laughed coldly before stalking over to where Kûri sat, “No doubt you’re wondering what I have planned.” He taunted the maimed Toa.
Kûri didn’t reply, just stared at the one who’d taken his arm and legs until he snarled with annoyance at not getting a response and stalked back to the table.
“You’re a walking pile of Maha droppings.” Came a whisper from Rionna as she regained consciousness and glared angrily at the Shadowed One. He snorted with amusement at her anger, and then glanced at his dingy grey minion, “Give it roughly two hours then we’ll see what happens.”
Nodding, the Dark Hunter removed the straps then dragged Rionna back to the cage, “Have a nap.” He growled pinching a nerve until her eyes flickered and closed.
Chuckling ominously, the Dark Hunter locked the cage, “This is going to be interesting.” He said, the Shadowed One glared at his minion, “It had better be. Remember what happened to the last one who claimed that.” before he left the lab.
Kûri hid a bitter smile as the Dark Hunter blanched and swallowed hard before hurrying to catch up with his boss. The pale chestnut hued Toa shifted to the edge of his cage as the door closed and watched Rionna for a while. Though she was unconscious, her body twitched as the recently injected liquid merged with the virus and spread through her body.

…

Dawn was breaking when Kûri heard the sound of footsteps drawing closer and the door was opened by a servant, the dingy grey Dark Hunter close behind him and he immediately went to examine Rionna. “Hmm, still breathing. Good.” Crion muttered then snapped to attention as the Shadowed One walked in.
“Wake her.” He ordered, his tail twitching in anticipation, the dingy grey Dark Hunter looked apprehensive as he bent over Rionna, pinching the nerve he’d pinched last time, then swiftly straightened up and stepped back.
Several minutes passed, then Rionna’s eyes opened and she focused on leering Dark Hunter before slowly sitting up. Her side where the injections had gone in now glowed sinisterly through her t-shirt “Now that looks promising.” The Shadowed One chuckled ominously as the human glanced down in horror.

At the Dark Hunters Leader’s nod, the dingy grey Hunter picked up the stunned captive and lifted her out of the cage. “Well little Rionna, seeing as you like your ‘room-mate’ here’s your chance to make friends.” The Shadowed One hissed malevolently as Crion dropped her in the straw close to where the maimed Toa sat. Still feeling dazed, Rionna lay where she’d been dropped, blinking and wondering why she felt so strange.
Kûri silently watched as the dingy grey Hunter left, slamming the door then shifted closer to his friend as she managed to sit up and smile at him. Solemnly the maimed Toa then held his hand out in the time-honoured salute, for a moment Rionna looked startled then shyly touched her fist to his.
When Kûri lowered his hand, the Shadowed One smiled in grim satisfaction on seeing a fading red mark across the Toa’s knuckles. “And so it begins.” He thought while Rionna glanced puzzled at her knuckles where a similar red mark was fading.

Several minutes passed, then suddenly the door opened and a murky blue figure entered, hurried over to the Shadowed One and began his report. The leader of the Dark Hunters listened, his eyes glowing with annoyance, “Let’s go. You! Watch and record what happens.” The Shadowed One snapped at the servant while Crion chucked a notebook on the table.
When the door slammed closed, the servant sighed and picked the notebook up then paused, glanced anxiously at the door and came to a decision. While he dashed off, Kûri felt rather dizzy and swayed slightly, seeing her friend’s face rapidly turn paler, Rionna shook off her own disorientation and moved to support him.
"What's happening?" she whispered, letting Kûri lean against her, he didn't say anything as he struggled against the growing dizziness. "Would water help?" the servant whispered, surprising Rionna. Glancing she saw that he'd pushed bowls of food and water as far as he could reach, "That's a great help, thank you." she replied, watching as he then wrote down what was happening to Kûri, "I'm sorry but if I don't..." he murmured as he finished writing.
The human nodded, then glanced anxiously at her friend as he managed to sit up, thankful that the dizziness had passed. Before he could move further, Rionna went to pick up the dishes and carried them back. A shudder went through her as she glanced at the food, then at Kûri, whom also looked sick at the sight of it as a shudder ran through his thin frame.
“I don’t feel hungry.” Kûri admitted after looking at the food for several minutes, Rionna nodded, “I know what you mean. Ever since the first injection, I’ve had no appetite.” She muttered then offered her friend the water bowl. Reaching out to accept it, Kûri was startled to see his hand trembling uncontrollably, as Rionna hurriedly set the bowl down and tried to help somehow while the servant sighed and noted down what was happening.
“I don’t feel too good.” The pale chestnut Toa whispered as Rionna helped him to settle back on the straw, her eyes betraying the concern she tried to hide as she anxiously watched him.
“Hhhssst, here.” The whisper from outside the cage startled Rionna and as she glanced up a dry cloth sailed into the cage, landing not far from the straw. “Thanks.” She replied, damping it and placing it over Kûri’s forehead, by now the Toa was shaking uncontrollably and his forehead was hot and feverish.

Half an hour later, the strange shaking began to ease and Kûri let Rionna help him to sit up again. As the servant hastily scribbled what he’d seen Kûri had a drink of the remaining water then glanced dazedly around at his surroundings.
The human was watching her friend anxiously while she wrung the cloth out removing the excess water then gently wiped his forehead. “What is happening?” Rionna asked, a yawn escaping her as Kûri insisted that she lent against his side and he rested his arm round her shoulders.
“I’ve been infected by the virus that he injected you with.” The Toa of Stone replied, his tone filled with bitterness at the Shadowed One’s ages old plan.

[Kokua aviatrix]

…

“It’s killing me.” Kûri added softly, thinking that his young friend had fallen asleep; the servant at those words blanched and dropped the notebook rubbing his face to try and dry his eyes. Lent against his side, her eyes still closed, Rionna listened shocked.

"It's killing me." Kûri added softly when he thought his young friend had fallen asleep, the servant, at those words blanched and dropped the notebook, rubbing his face to try and dry his eyes.
Leaning against Kûri, eyes closed Rionna was horrified by the Toas' calm acceptance and slowly tears began running down her cheeks as he gently hugged her.
Kûri gradually became aware that his chest was growing damp and glanced at Rionna, the human was silently watching him, her face soaked with tears.
"Hey, come on. I was told years ago that my destiny would be revealed when I met someone unique to this world." Kûri said trying to reassure his friend, as she dashed tears from her eyes a shudder ran through her body.
"But it's not right. Yo...you shouldn't go like this." she cried as Kûri hugged her tightly and was about to reply when he began coughing.

"I think you should keep the ring." he managed to say as the coughing grew in intensity then was unable to speak as he clung to Rionna while she supported him.
The servant clutched the bars, powerless to help his friend and watched as the human dabbed blood from the edges of Kûri's mouth as he continued coughing, the sound now ragged and tearing.

~*~

The coughing began growing weaker as Kûri clung to Rionna; exhausted by the strength of the spasms his head drooped onto her shoulder as he drifted into fitful sleep.
"What is your name?" Rionna whispered so as not to wake their dying friend when the servant miserably picked up the notebook and wrote in it.

He glanced up at the weary human, briefly envious that she could do more to aid his friend then ashamed of his feeling whispered, "It's Onair."
A quiet murmur tickled Rionna's ear, "That's a good name." Kûri said as he roused and tried to straighten up, then with Rionna's help settled back in the straw.
By now the Toas' heartlight was beginning to flicker and Onair was hard pressed not to cry, while Rionna clutched Kûri's hand, willing him to beat the virus she'd unwillingly infected him with.
"Be strong, both of you. And may the Great..." Kûri whispered, his strength growing fainter with each breath, unable to finish the sentence Kûri's fingers slowly closed around Rionna's hands and he smiled weakly trying to reassure her, "Don't go, please." the human whispered, her red rimmed eyes filling with fresh tears.
A soft sigh came from the dying Toa and as his eyes closed Kûri found a final burst of strength and managed to whisper the rest of his sentence, "Spirit watch over and guide you." then Kûri's heartlight gave a final flicker and went out.

Rionna slumped back, her hands still tight around Kûri's as his fingers loosened tears streaming down her face.
While she sat there stunned, a movement flickered at the corner of her eye, puzzled the human turned towards it and gasped in stunned amazement, Onair also watched in surprise.
Watching them with a smile on his mask was a ghostly Toa; he bowed to the stunned watchers then faded from sight.

Several minutes passed then the servant noted down the final bit of what had happened to Kûri before he'd died then placed the notebook back on the table.
Rionna gently rested Kûri's hand on his chest then attempted to clean the blood from his face, her tears helping as they fell unchecked, when she'd done the best she could Rionna went and sat as close to Onair as she could.
"Was that Toa Kûri we saw?" she whispered after several minutes, glancing at him, the servant nodded.
"As he was when I first saw several Dark Hunters dragging him into this cage." he softly replied glancing around before resting a hand on Rionna's shoulder, no longer caring what would happen to him.

Rionna had just slipped into a grief induced slumber when the Shadowed One and Crion returned startling her awake as the dingy grey Hunter grabbed Onair by his throat.
"Blast we missed the fun." he snarled, while the Shadowed One read the notes taken, he then began laughing as he showed it to Crion, the cold sound echoing around the laboratory.
"If the virus does this to a weakened Toa, just think what it'll do to healthy ones. Pity we don't have a Turaga captive to see what would happen."

[Kokua aviatrix]

Rionna looked at the laughing pair in shock, while her small friend fought for breath then grabbed the empty bowl and hurled it at Crion in an attempt to make him drop her friend.
"Ah!" the dingy grey Hunter yelled as the bowl shattered on his arm, dropping Onair hard on the ground.

The servant crawled to where Rionna stood at the bars and wrapped his arms around one, coughing and wheezing.
Crouching to check her friend Rionna glared at their tormentors, the Shadowed One was watching her closely while Crion picked shards from his arm swearing venomously.
"Open the door and quit winging." the leader of the Dark Hunters growled menacingly as the servant finally regained his breath and cautiously watched them.

When Crion opened the cage door the Shadowed One ducked his head as he entered the cage and briefly glanced at Kûri's body before turning to where Rionna was still crouched beside Onair.
A horrified gasp came from the servant, when the Shadowed Ones' eyes began glowing, and he gripped Rionna's arm tightly.
Then as she looked up the shadowed One glanced over to the straw and she watched horrified as two beams of light shot from his eyes and hit Kûri's body reducing it to atoms.
"No!" Rionna gasped as the beams faded and he turned back to where she was crouched, her arms now around the servant's shoulders.

Even with the bars between them, the pair clung to each other seeking comfort while Crion tried to pull them apart.
Steely hands dragged Rionna away from Onair and the bars then as she struggled the Shadowed Ones' eyes glowed intently and the beams struck her friend.
An ear splitting scream of grief echoed around the lab as Onair disintegrated, then the Shadowed One roared in pain as Rionna managed to twist around and sank her teeth deep into his hand.
Letting go of the human's garment, the Shadowed One struck her across the face, and as she collapsed to the floor, examined his bleeding hand.
"Just as well the virus doesn't affect Dark Hunters." his cold voice growled as Rionna slowly regained consciousness and cautiously opened her eyes.
Crion finished tightening the bandage around his leader's hand then glanced at the crumpled figure as she watched the Dark Hunters.

Unseen by those in the lab, Onair scrambled up then looked around as he realized he wasn't alone.
"Toa Kûri!" he exclaimed in surprise before bowing to his friend as he had wanted to do for so long.
The Toa Spirit smiled quietly, then both watched as the dingy grey Hunter picked up their human friend before the Shadowed One forced her to drink from a canister.
As she fell unconscious, Kûri rested his hand on Onair's shoulder, "We have to go my friend." he explained when Onair glanced up at him.
"But what about Rionna?" the former servant exclaimed as mist began swirling around them, hiding the lab from sight.
Kûri sighed, "Only the Great Beings know." he replied as they began walking deeper into the spirit realm.

Holding the limp form of Rionna in his arms, Crion nodded as he was given instructions on where he and Garbh should leave the 'trap' for the patrolling Toa to find.
The Shadowed One smiled darkly at the anger in Crion's eyes on finding out who he was partnered with, then hid a wince as his bitten hand pained him.
While the Dark Hunter left the lab the Shadowed One began laughing, thinking of the devastation that the red virus would cause then followed the pissed off Dark Hunter who was making his way to the jetty.
On the way a servant was ordered to inform Garbh that there was a mission for him, much to Crion's annoyance.

Biting his tongue, the dingy grey Hunter carried the human onto a small boat and placed her in the bows before catching the canister the Shadowed One threw at him.
"Make sure she remains unconscious. We don't want the surprise spoilt." he growled, smiling grimly as cold laughter rang around the jetty as those not on missions nudged each other in amusement.
Then as the boat departed they wandered off, leaving the Shadowed One watching the boat until it vanished from sight.

~*~

As dawn approached over Po-metru, the Dark Hunters found a small inlet to berth their boat and carried the sleeping human to shore.
"So how far is the drop point?" Garbh asked while prodding Rionna to see if she needed a third drink of the sleeping draught.
"A few bio." came the terse reply as Crion glanced around before shifting Rionnas' limp form.
While he carried her, Crion and Garbh kept a wary eye out for sign of the Toa patrol they had to leave the 'trap' for.
Unknown to the Dark Hunters, Rionna was semi-conscious and feigning sleep as they raced through the desert.
"This is the place." Crion said, stopping abruptly then dumped Rionna on the ground, as she rolled over they watched intently to make sure the human was still out cold.
"Come on, if the traitor's right the patrol will be along in the next fifteen minutes." Garbh said, Crion nodded, "Pity we can't stay and watch the fun." he replied.

As their footsteps told Rionna the Dark Hunters were leaving she drowsily began counting as she lay on the sand, bleeding from small cuts caused by the sand.
When she'd reached one hundred the human slowly opened her eyes and glanced around, the only things she could see were several rock formations and some low scrubby bushes.
Carefully sitting up Rionna lent against a rock and checked the cuts on her arms, then, unsure as to why took Kûri's ring from her pocket and put it on.
Still feeling groggy from the amount of sleeping draught she'd been forced to drink, Rionna rested her head in her arms and slowly began weeping for her lost friends.

~*~

"Look I know what I heard!" a pale turquoise Toa snapped, glancing irritatedly at Halak as they and several other Toa patrolled the flatlands of Po-metru.
"Alright sister, take it easy." the topaz hued Toa calmly replied as Pakele scanned the surrounding area while listening to her friends' conversation.
"Namis is still anxious about that dream that woke her." she confided to Skian, the steel hued Toa nodded as they travelled past rocky outcrops.

...

"Over there." Namis said a while later, pointing towards a distant area, the patrol could see a figure lent against an outcrop, its' arms around its' knees.
Fanning out, the patrol silently moved towards the strange figure ready for anything, or so they thought.

Wiping the tears from her face Rionna caught sight of the armoured figures cautiously approaching her, anxiously she looked around, "I can't let them touch me!" she whimpered.
There was a small crevasse in the outcrop she'd been leaning against and as the Toa drew nearer she tried to fit into it, but it was too narrow.
"No, no. I can't let the Toa touch me." a cry of despair rang across the plain, bouncing off the outcrops causing the Toa to slow and come to a halt half a bio from the outcrop where the figure was now watching them anxiously.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" the steel hued Toa demanded, then the patrol listened intently and with growing outrage as Rionna slowly managed to tell them, between sobs, what had taken place and been done to Kûri, Onair and her.
Namis sank to the ground in shock on hearing what had happened to her closefriend, her eyes never leaving the human, while Pakele and Halak conferred on what to do about keeping the Toa and Turaga Dume safe.
"There's a cave nearby with provisions stored for emergencies. She can live-stay there." Murlainn commented after several minutes, the Air Toas' remark was met with approval and the patrol glanced at Rionna.

She nodded and as Namis stood up, watched as the patrol formed a circle then waited for the human to move to the centre.
"This way we can safe guard you from wild rahi-beasts." Murlainn explained when Rionna paused, worried by what they wanted her to do.
Quietly she nodded and moved into the circle formed by the patrol and they began the journey to the cave mentioned.
It was mid morning when they arrived at the cave, Namis and a fire Toa watched over Rionna as she rubbed her eyes.
"You look tired." Ruadh commented gently before swapping places with Pakele and going to help Halak and Murlainn while the others kept watch for any other threats.

Half an hour later, Skian joined the Water Toa and Rionna, "Things are ready, come and see." he smiled gently, wondering if the human should look so pale.
They waited outside to let Rionna explore her new home, "Thank you." she said when she returned to the cave entrance.
"We've made a temporary gate to protect you and us." Halak added as Skian, Murlainn and Ruadh hoisted up a grid made of interlocked spears and carefully placed it over the cave entrance.
"What will happen now?" the human asked, leaning against the wall hiding her growing dizziness, "We will return to the coliseum and tell Turaga Dume of what you've told us. Then come back in a few days to see how you are and replenish the water containers." Ruadh explained while the patrol regrouped, all nodding in agreement.
Rionna managed a smile for the first time that day, "I'll look forward to seeing you." she replied while stifling a yawn.

"You should get some sleep-rest, you look exhausted." Murlainn added gently, "I will. You take care." Rionna replied then watched the patrol until they'd vanished into the distance.
"Oh Toa Namis. I am so sorry." she whispered, turning to go and settle on the blankets, swaying as she stood there Rionna tried to walk but fell to her knees as dizziness swept over her.
"Must rest." the human mumbled, not realizing she was feverish as she tried to push herself up, gripping the wall.
Rionna managed a few steps before passing out, collapsing to the floor, while the virus continued attacking its host as the Shadowed One had planned.

[Kokua aviatrix]

~*~

Several hours passed and in a realm unknown to Toa, Turaga or Matoran, a dusky spirit roused from her meditations and prepared to intervene.

~*~

As the sunlight filtered into the cave, a glowing light coalesced into a Toa like being.
She peered at the still figure lying on the ground then nodded, raising her hands.
A blue glowing mist surrounded Rionna and lifted her from the ground.
"No don't touch me." a weak feverish moan came from the human as the spirit telekinetically manoeuvred her to rest on the blankets.
The spirit could see that this being she'd been told to help was dying as she watched and focused her energy, knowing that this healing would take her a long time to recover from.
"Precious star, your time is not yet." the dusky Great Spirit spoke, then she began singing, the song swept around the cave before coalescing around the comatose human.
Slowly the mist and song merged together enveloping Rionna in its embrace and hiding her from sight.
The singer continued her song as it and the light deepened in intensity as she concentrated, bringing her hands together and focusing most of her energy into a sphere of blinding multi-coloured light.
The song then changed to one, which wouldn't be heard on Metru Nui for aeons as the dusky Great Spirit released the sphere and it drifted into the mist and song around Rionna.
The light grew even brighter before slowly fading away revealing the comatose form of Rionna, she was still wracked with fever, but now free of the virus.
"Sleep deeply, little one." the weary spirit whispered softly while covering Rionna with a blanket, then she returned to where she'd come from to regain her strength.

When the patrol returned to the coliseum and made their report to the Turaga of Metru Nui he glanced up from the plans while Lhikan listened intently.
"You left this human on her own?" he replied then nodded as they explained why, before nodding in agreement and asking them to help figure out where the supplies had to go.
"It's a shame about K¨±ri." Dume added in a quieter tone after verbally dissecting what the Shadowed One had tried to do.

"If you want, we'll go back to where Rionna is tomorrow." Skian said while peering at the plans.
For several minutes the Turaga stood in thought before writing a note and headed over to one of the Vahki, the Vahki nodded its' compliance before flying out the room.
The patrol listened as Lhikan then explained further about the supplies, which would be arriving quite soon.
"That is good to know." Pakele said, while figuring out how many would be going to Ga-metru then glanced at Namis.
The pale turquoise Toa hadn't said much since learning about Kuris' fate, her eyes shone with unshed tears and her hands were clenched so tightly her knuckles were white.

Returning to the group, Turaga Dume paused beside the silent Toa and glanced up at her strained expression, "Have a seat and let it out." he murmured gruffly before going over to the table and began tidying the plans away.
While Halak helped comfort the grieving Water Toa, the others discussed what things they should take out to the cave.
They were still talking about the days events when the Vorzahk returned with Nahele, the malachite hued Toa listened fascinated as Ruadh filled him in.
"Turaga Dume, Lhikan!" a shout suddenly broke the quiet conversation as a emerald hued Toa raced into the room and skidded to a halt as he began speaking.

~*~

In the cave, Rionna lay under the blanket murmuring quietly in her fever wracked dreams; her hand curled around the pebble-sized lightstone Onair had given her.

~*~

The morning after the failed attempt by the Dark Hunters and the traitorous Air Toa Nidhiki to wipe out the Toa, the patrol headed out to where they'd left Rionna.
As they travelled on the Vahki that Turaga Dume had insisted they took, Pakele talked with Nahele about the human in more detail now they had time.
"So that's why I had to travel-come with you." the malachite Toa remarked with a smile as the cave came into sight.

"What!?" Skian exclaimed stunned as the patrol came to a halt and saw that the grid had been moved and now lay on the ground.
Cautiously the Toa climbed from the Vahki and taking their weapons out drew closer to the cave entrance.
"It looks like it's been blown out." Halak remarked as he finished examining the grid, "Nahele, what can you show us?" Skian asked, glancing at their vibrantly hued brother.
Raising his hands the Air Toa activated his mask and projected a square of light onto a nearby rock, which cleared to show the inside of the cave.
"Why hasn't she brightened the lightstones?" Halak muttered anxiously while Nahele shifted the image around.
"Look, there." Pakele exclaimed, gesturing to the pile of blankets, as the image centred on them, there was a slight movement and Rionna shifted into sight.

"Mata Nui! What's a Matoran doing here?" Skian gasped in surprise, Namis on the other hand glanced closer at the image then before the others could prevent her raced into the cave.
"Sister what are you doing?" the steel hued Toa shouted while the others watched Nahele's image anxiously.
Pausing to let her eyes adjust to the dim light, Namis moved to where the Matoran lay and crouched for a better look, nodding as she saw the ring she'd given K¨±ri.
Glancing back to the entrance she caught a glimpse of Murlainn, "It's Rionna." she called, then knowing Nahele would still have the image up reached out and rested her hand on the Matoran's brow.

A chorus of shocked comments exploded from her brothers and sisters as they watched Namis as she then examined her hand before holding it up for Nahele to see.
After showing her unmarked hand to the others, Namis gently wrapped the feverish Matoran in several blankets then left the cave.
"Don't ever do that again, sister." Skian said sternly as she let them look at the unconscious form in her arms.
"I'm sure Turaga Dume will chew me up soon enough. Now let's get Rionna to a healer." Namis replied as they started back to the Vahki.
The Vahki, Namis had travelled on had relayed what she'd done to the coliseum and all the Vahki now had instructions to go directly to the coliseum.

"How do you know she's free of the virus?" Ruadh asked when the patrol reached the Vahki, "Rionna said she saw a red mark on her knuckles after K¨±ri... K¨±ri tapped fists with her. But that didn't happen when I touched her forehead back there."
The pale turquoise Toa fell silent as she climbed on the Bordahk and carefully positioned the bundled up lavender and pale green Matoran safely before glancing defiantly at her fellow Toa.
They nodded, knowing there was no talking with Namis when she was in this mood, and climbed aboard the Vahki, which took off and started back to the inhabited regions of Metru Nui.

The air as it rushed over the returning patrol briefly roused Rionna and her eyes flickered briefly before she lapsed back into unconsciousness.
When the Vahki didn't land in Po-metru, the Toa glanced at each other, "Looks like Turaga Dume wants a word now." Pakele murmured, glancing over to where Namis sat watching the coliseum, her arms holding Rionna protectively.
As the Vahki landed in the arena, close to the tower entrance the patrol could see Turaga Dume and two healers watching, him in annoyance and the Ga-matoran curiously.
"Go with the healers and I'll want a word with you later Toa Namis." Turaga Dume said when the patrol reached him, "Meanwhile the rest can tell me what they saw."
Silently Namis bowed then followed the healers inside, as she did Dume turned and led the others to a small conference room.

~*~

"In here, Toa." Lakino quietly said after they'd reached the third floor and entered a corridor leading past various rooms.
The room they entered had several beds and Namis swiftly moved to the nearest and gently placed the feverishly delirious Matoran down then watched as the healers began their work.
A while later Sl¨¤na came over with a drink, "Here this will help." she murmured before returning to help Lakino.
Sitting on the bed nearest the one Rionna lay on, Namis sipped the drink and watched anxiously, several minutes later there was a sigh followed by the clatter of the beaker as Namis succumbed to the sleeping draught she'd been slipped.
Glancing up the healers nodded briefly then continued trying to help their patient.

...

Several hours later the exhausted healers sat on one of the beds, "All we can do now is wait. The next three days will be critical." Lakino whispered, her gaze drifting back to where the yellow and pale green Matoran lay, a damp cloth over her forehead.
Sl¨¤na nodded, then both looked over to the door as it opened and two Vahki entered with Turaga Dume, while the Vahki placed the trays down the red and black Turaga moved to where Namis was waking up.
"How do you feel? Skian has told me all of what happened." he said as the turquoise hued Toa sat up, "I feel hungry. How long have I been asleep?" she replied as Turaga Dume sat beside her.
"That's good." he said, then they listened to what the healers had to say including answering Namis's question.
When they'd finished speaking, Namis insisted on passing the dishes to the healers before taking the remaining ones over to where she'd slept and handed one to Turaga Dume.

Slowly Rionna began to regain consciousness, struggling up through clouds of confusion she managed to open her eyes.
"Where?" a barely audible whisper made everyone jump and the healers dropped their dishes and hurried to the bed as Rionna tried to sit up.
"Easy, lay back. It's too soon for you to move." a sky blue Matoran said as she gently prevented the feverish Matoran from trying to get up.
At a nod from Turaga Dume, Namis joined the healers as Rionna looked in confusion at those around her, "Easy, Rionna. It'll be alright." the turquoise hued Toa gently said, catching the Matorans' hand.
"No, don't touch me." Rionna whimpered as the fever began to dominate her again, dragging her back into delirium.
Watching as the strangely coloured Matoran passed out, Turaga Dume dismissed the Vahki and moved to join Namis, who watched anxiously, her hand tightly gripped by Rionna.
"Looks like you'll be staying here for a while," he commented softly, "It's alright as Skian said I can chew you out later. But for now you're needed here." he added, a brief smile crossing his mask, then Dume left the room.
Namis nodded, unable to bow then watched Rionna as Lakino carefully replaced the cloth onto her patients' forehead.



For three days the healers, Namis and Pakele, who insisted on helping fought to keep Rionna's fever under control.
"Sisters, you should rest, the healers have fallen asleep midmouthful." Easan said as she peered around the door before moving to join them.
"I know, but the fever's reaching its crisis point." Pakele yawned, rubbing her eyes wearily, Namis nodded to sleepy to argue before glancing at Rionna, sitting beside her, the azure hued Toa also peered at the Matoran.
Rionna lay there, her hand still clutching Namis's while she murmured random incoherent words and sentences, her mask was pale and hot to touch as Easan beat Pakele's move to dampen the cloth.
"Poor thing, she's been badly used." the azure Toa murmured compassionately as Namis yawned, rested her head on the bed and fell asleep.
"You have a nap sister, I'll keep watch over her." Easan insisted as Pakele yawned again, her head jolting up as she tried to stay awake.
"Alright, wake me in..." the dark blue Toa whispered, falling asleep mid sentence.

Glancing around at the sleeping healers and her sisters, Easan nodded, "Sleep well you all need it." she whispered before peering at the lavender and pale green Matoran.
"The picture Murlainn drew of your original from was fascinating." she thought, gently dampening the cloth again, "Onair wait." the Matoran moaned softly, her free hand reaching out before falling back on her chest

[Kokua aviatrix]

"Easy Rionna." Easan whispered then glanced up as Turaga Dume, Skian and Phira entered the sickroom, silently they listened to Easan then Skian lifted Pakele up and rested her on the bed beside the one Lakino and Sl¨¤na shared.

"You were right to insist they rested." Turaga Dume murmured as Easan shifted to give him space to check on Rionna, the azure Toa nodded then blushed as Skian joined them.
Tactfully ignoring the blushing Toa, the Turaga watched the feverish Matoran for several minutes then handed a packet of herbs to Easan, "Place them under the cloth." he instructed as she glanced at him inquisitively.
Lifting the dry cloth from Rionna's forehead, Easan gently put the herbs in place before wetting the cloth and replacing it.
A gentle fragrance slowly spread through out the room, rousing the healers who stretched before joining those around Rionna's bed.
Skian, feeling at a loose end went over to the windows and gazed out towards Onu-metru, "Oh brother, I hope you're at peace now." he thought when he turned his gaze in the direction of Po-metru.

"Hold her!" a sudden cry went up as Rionna began trying to get up, the fever at its strongest.
"Please, K¨±ri, Onair wait for me. Don't go." the delirious Matoran cried out, fighting against Easan and the healers, her eyes gazing around blankly.
For several minutes the struggling Matoran cried and pleaded for her friends before suddenly collasping into Easan's arms.
Gently the azure hued Toa rested Rionna back and everyone watched anxiously until the Matoran's breathing told them she was past the worst.

It was late afternoon as the suns broke through the clouds and brightened up the room where Rionna had been moved to.
The healers had gone to rest and the Water Toa who'd kept watch had been pestered into also getting some much needed rest by their brothers and sisters.
Phira and Atinu were taking their turn watching over the sleeping Matoran while quietly talking about the events of the past few days.

"I'm still shocked he would even think of betrayal." a soft voice roused Rionna and she slowly opened her eyes, blinking away the dryness and focusing on the indigo and platinum Toa sitting nearby.

"Thirsty." a whisper reached Atinu as Phira stared out the window and he glanced over to where the Matoran lay, looking hopeful as she watched the Toa.
When the icy Toa moved to help Rionna, Phira glanced around and moved to assist, gently she propped the yellow and pale green Matoran up using the pillows Murlainn had brought through.
"Aren't you worried about the virus?" Rionna croaked, her throat still dry as the indigo hued Toa made sure she was comfortable.
Sitting back Phira smiled gently, "No little one. Somehow you've been cured of it."

Atinu then carefully held the beaker for Rionna to sip from, as he did she managed to raise her hand to try and hold the beaker.
"Oh, what has happened to me." Rionna murmured, her stunned gaze fixed on her hand, "We don't know." Atinu replied as the Matoran glanced up at the Toa.
Bewildered yet fascinated, Rionna had another sip of the juice then her gaze shifted back to her buttercup hued hand as she drifted back to sleep.
Gently tucking the coverlet back around Rionna's shoulders, Phira glanced at her closefriend, "Namis will be delighted to know Rionna's woken. She's wanting to return that small lightstone.

When Rionna woke again it was the middle of the night and sitting watching over her were Murlainn and Namis.
The pale turquoise Toa was watching the view from the window and didn't notice they were being watched.
"Want-need some juice?" the sage green Toa whispered when he realized they were being watched and the Matoran smiled shyly at him, "Please it tastes nice." she replied as Namis hearing them chat, turned back to the bed and smiled at their weak friend.

When Rionna had managed as much of the drink as she could and Murlainn was making her comfortable again, Namis placed a fine silver chain around the Matorans' neck.
"This will keep your lightstone safe." she explained as Rionna glanced at the wire wrapped lightstone on the end of the chain, her eyes drooping wearily as she fell asleep.
"Thank y..." the whisper hung in the air as both Toa watched their small friend, "How long do you think she'll need all this sleep-rest for?" Murlainn commented placing the beaker beside the jug on the table.
Namis glanced at her brother and shrugged, "It could take several weeks or even longer." then both glanced to where Turaga Dume muttered in his sleep, turning over as he did.
"It was a bit of a surprise when he insisted on moving Rionna here to his quarters." Namis whispered as the red and black Turaga settled again, a puzzled expression on his Kiril as he slept.

Several days passed and Rionna slowly began spending more awake, though she was extremely weak the unusally coloured Matoran was curious to learn about her new friends and they in turn about her.
Turaga Dume took great interest in hearing about Rionnas' past and spent one evening taking notes while Rionna lent against the pillows, alternatly dimming and brightening her lightstone pendant.
"Would you draw a picture of Onair? Though he wasn't Matoran he deserves to be remembered." Dume said as he finished, set his pen down then looked over to where Rionna was snuggling under the covers.
"Mmmm, I'll do my best Turaga." the Matoran drowsily replied as she drifted into sleep, the red and black hued Turaga smiled and went to rest.

~*~

Unknown to the Turaga of Metru Nui, someone was watching him with malevolent intent and was nearly ready to make his move.
When Turaga Dume was asleep, a shadow appeared in the room and tipped a powder into the jug beside Rionnas' bed.
"This'll ensure you can't interfere." the red eyed shadow thought, a sly cold smile crossing his mask before he vanished from the room.


When Rionna woke the following morning she realized that Turaga Dume wasn't there and glanced at the clock, "Eleven o' clock! How long am I going to carry on doing this?" she thought while pouring out some juice.
Sipping it the Matoran read the note Turaga Dume had lent against the beaker, 'Namis will come by shortly.'

Delighted Rionna smiled and finished her drink before picking up the paper and pencils that Dume had placed there and began sketching Onair.
Ten minutes later the pale turquoise Toa entered Dume's bedroom and settled on the edge of Rionna's bed.
"I would have been here sooner but Takua was being chased by the vahki again and tried to hide behind me." she explained, her golden eyes glowing as she laughed Rionna joining in, then both glanced around as a Vahki entered bearinga tray and a note.

"I've got to go to Ga-metru for a while," Namis said after reading the note, "But I'll drop in to visit you again." she added when Rionna looked unhappy.
"Okay, but I'll be glad when I can explore the metru with you, Toa Namis." the Matoran replied then watched her friend depart before having another drink of juice.

Tugging the paper back to her, Rionna paused as her vision blurred then she felt giddy, "Strange." she muttered then, when another wave affected her, placed the drawing down and lay back.
She was still laying there when Turaga Dume peered in to see how she was, "I feel weird." Rionna whimpered when he asked, while placing a small tablet on his work table.
"I'll be right back." Dume said, hiding his concern about how the Matoran looked pale while her eyes glowed with fever.

"Get Lakino and Sl¨¤na. Rionna's having a relapse." the Turaga of Metru Nui instructed the nearest Vahki, the machine nodded, shifted to flight mode and left the tower as Turaga Dume re-entered his quarters.
Checking Rionna, the Turaga found she'd lapsed into fitful sleep, he gently brushed a hand over her hot mask then went to examine the table knowing the healers were coming.

Several minutes passed then Rionna woke and watched Turaga Dume as he slowly began translating the prophecy, "Of course. But what does it foretell?" he suddenly muttered, gazing into space.
As the Turaga stood deep in thought while Rionna lay watching semi-conscious, the door opened silently as a figure entered.
Movement caught Rionna's eye and she watched in shock as the figure approached Turaga Dume then struggled to try and warn him.

A slight caught the Turaga's attention and as Rionna watched helplessly Dume was knocked unconscious by his double whom then ordered the Vahki with him to place Turaga Dume in a silver sphere.
"Take it to the Canyon of Unending Whispers." the false Dume said while he moved towards Rionna's bed as the Vahki did his bidding.
"You have seen too much, so..." the false Turaga chuckled darkly as he lifted the jug and swirled the contents around.
Shaking her head Rionna tried desperately from the bed but was too weak, "Drink up!" a cold gravely voice suddenly echoed around the room as the false Turaga lent over her.

"Turaga, what is wrong with Rionna?" a worried voice broke the silence as Makuta tried again to make Rionna drink the drugged juice, hiding his anger the false Turaga glanced up.
"She's delirious again and thinks I mean to harm her." he calmly replied, stepping back as the healers hurried to Rionna's bedside.
Desperately Rionna clung to Sl¨¤na, too terrified to speak as she and Lakino tried to comfort her, while the false Turaga watched, feigning concern his gaze turning cold when the healers couldn't see and enjoying the feverish Matoran's reaction.
When Rionna whimpered and burst into tears Lakino took a small canister out her bag and gently coaxed her into drinking the healing draught.

Slowly Rionna's eyes closed as she drifted into healing sleep, still desperately trying to warn the healers of the danger they were in, her arms slipping from Sl¨¤na's neck.

[Kokua aviatrix]

While Lakino helped Slàna make Rionna comfortable, the false Turaga instructed the Vahki on what they were to do with the healers.
"Turaga Dume, we'll need to go and get more herbs." Lakino said, watching him as he finished instructing the Vahki.
"Of course and the Vahki will assist you." he replied with a smile while silently laughing at the trusting naivety of Matoran.
The healers bowed, then left the room followed by the Vahki, brief cries of alarm were heard from outside as the Vahki followed their orders.

Silence fell then a Rorzahk entered carrying a silver sphere while two more Vahki carried two, now occupied spheres away to store below the coliseum.
Watching as the Vahki placed the sphere down, Makuta glanced at Rionna as she whimpered in her sleep, "Bury it deep in the Po-metru desert where no-one will find it." he instructed the Vahki after the unconscious Matoran had been placed in the sphere.
Picking the sphere up the Vahki signaled its compliance and left the private quarters of Turaga Dume, the disguised form of Makuta following close behind.

~*~

Unknown to the Dark Spirit another had witnessed what had happened to Rionna, and Her sleepy gaze followed the path of the Rorzahk into the desert.
"When it is time you will be found." She promised, before lapsing back into restorative sleep.

The dusky spirit wasn't the only one watching the single Vahki as it carried the sphere deep into the desert.
Watching from the shade of a nearby canyon the Kikanalo herd rumbled curiously amongst themselves.
*We should remember this* the chief growled softly as the herd watched the machine excavating a deep hole before it placed the sphere in and began covering it.
When the Vahki had finished and left, having knocked several rocks over the spot, the Kikanalo went and throughly examined the area, memorizing it carefully.
Moving from the area the herd made their way back to their feeding grounds, quietly discussing what they'd seen.