Joy, sorrow and comfort

[Kokua aviatrix]

Watching with interest as several Matoran joked amongst themselves while passing various things to each other as they loaded the ships; the Toa Voya listened intently to the Turaga.
“It’s going to be interesting to finally see the Island of Mata Nui.” Hakinu grinned before glancing over to where Solisha and Malie were deep in conversation with Rahaga Gaaki and Kualus.
“You sure about this?” the Rahaga of Ice asked curiously, Solisha nodded then laughed as Malie commented, “Doesn’t want stray-wander far from the herd.”
“We’ll be sure to tease you about what you’ve missed when we return.” Reshana added as she, Ferinus and Norik joined them.

…

“Think that draught will help Leri?” Turaga Onewa commented to Nokama and Anuenue while the Toa, Turaga and Matoran waved to their friends as the boats weighed anchor and started out the harbour.
“Here’s hoping, from what I’ve heard sea-sickness isn’t fun.” the Turaga of Colour replied glancing up as the electric blue flecked silver butterfly landed on her staff, its wings dimming briefly.
“They’ll be back in a week or two.” Aikane said as she coaxed the butterfly onto her arm while everyone began making their way back to the Ga-metru main square.

While Gali, Amaya and Kokua chatted with their closefriends, Nokama yawned then smiled reassuringly when Anuenue asked if she was feeling alright, “Just feeling a bit sleepy.” she chuckled, linking arms with her rainbow hued sister.

Dume caught Vakama’s, Matau’s and Whenua’s eye as they finished yawning, “We’ll have to stop those wild parties.” he chuckled while they looked embarrassed, then laughed as Matau quipped that no party was too wild-lively.

~*~

By the time everyone reached the main square, a fine misty rain had been steadily getting them wet so the Matoran quickly bowed to the Toa, Turaga and Kokua then dashed off to their homes to dry off.
“At least it’s not dermis shell weather.” Gali was quick to point out when Lewa grumbled about being soggy-wet, grinning at her brother who yelped when Kokua shook the excess water from her wings, covering her closefriend again.

“Warm drinks all round.” the Turaga of Water called out when everyone had dried off and gathered in Gali’s living room, as Malie carefully carried in a tray with gently steaming mugs on it.

Sitting beside Nuju, chatting with Nokama and Matau while she finished her drink, Anuenue smiled happily when her closefriend lent against her, then looked surprised as she realized he’d fallen asleep.

Glancing around, the Turaga of Colour caught Dume’s eye as he chatted with Whenua and Takanuva.
The elder Turaga of Fire nodded then grinned as Anuenue blushed when Matau sniggered before she altered his colours from greens to a wide variety of pinks.

…

"Mmmm, oh sorry beloved." Nuju clicked and whistled softly, as the raucous laughter caused by Matau’s reaction to his new colours spread through the living room, rousing the Turaga of ice.
“It’s alright you looked comfortable.” she murmured, they then glanced up as Kopaka came over to the couch and he smiled briefly before asking Nuju if he wanted something to eat.
"Was I asleep that long?" Nuju whistled surprised while Kopaka went to fetch some food, when he found he’d been dozing for nearly two hours, “Yes Turaga.” Amaya replied as she took the seat vacated by Matau, who’d gone to chat with Lewa, Malie and Solisha.
While Nuju thanked Kopaka when he returned, Anuenue wandered over to where Whenua, Dume and Onua were talking about what their brothers and sisters could encounter on their trip.
“Well the amount of times Lewa warned them about the swamps of Le-wahi, I’m surprised Tein’a didn’t try a bit of target practice.” Onua chuckled.
“And Ferus confided to me that he was half tempted to call some vines to hoist Lewa into the air upside down.” Whenua added grinning as Rei bounced in and ran over to where Kokua sat.
“I wonder where Wotzit’s disappeared to?” Dume mused, glancing at his rainbow hued sister, “Oh he’ll be somewhere dry.” Anuenue replied, laughing at the startled exclamations when Rei shook herself dry.

…

While eating supper, Pohatu noticed Malie was looking around distractly, “Don’t worry, they’ll be back before you know it.” he grinned catching the mute Toa’s eye.
Nodding Malie smiled as he replied, “Yeah, but it still seems odd-strange.” before shifting up to let Solisha join him for a hug.
“So what are you going to do while your sister’s away?” Gali called over to Solisha, the peacock hued Toa grinned, “Thought I might tidy her home up.” she giggled mischievously.
Malie began laughing so much that he tumbled to the floor and Rei took advantage, bounding over to lick his mask while the peridot hued Toa wriggled trying to escape the playful rahi.
“No please, I give up!” he signed as the room erupted with helpless laughter, several minutes later Rei gave her playmate a final wash then went over to where Kokua was giggling over something Lewa had just said, and scrambled up beside her.

Not long after, the Turaga bid their brothers and sisters pleasant dreams before going to rest.
“As it’s stopped raining, would you like to go for a walk?” Tahu murmured as the Turaga entered Nokama’s; Aikane glanced around as the others wandered back inside, quietly chatting about what their plans were.
“That would be wonderful.” the violet hued Toa replied, a faint blush visible on her cheeks as she let Tahu take her hand and they wandered into the sleeping metru.

~*~

On one of the ships heading for the island of Mata Nui, Lerihua was helping Iruini keep an eye on Sheranu as he sleepwalked around the main deck, quietly talking about what they’d been told.
“I’ll have to thank Turaga Nokama and Anuenue for that draught, it’s working well.” the young Toa commented while they moved to prevent the Air Toa from trying to climb the rigging.
Iruini, having flown up to stop Sheranu from going to high, grinned, “And it helps that the sea is flat-calm.” he chuckled as they watched the sleepwalking Toa who’d turned to go below deck.
“Finally.” Lerihua muttered wryly as he and the Rahaga of Air followed closely, watching Sheranu as he wandered back to his hammock and settle down.
Tein’a opened an eye then chuckled before moving to pick up his brother’s blanket and draped it over him, “Thanks bro.” Lerihua grinned after they’d bid Iruini good night.
“That’s ok, what did he get up to this time?” Tein’a asked as they climbed back into their hammocks, then stifled a laugh when Lerihua told him about Sheranu’s attempt to steer the boat.
“I thought Macku was going to brain him.” the young Toa of Stone snickered as he settled back then yawned, “That would have been interesting.” came Tein’a’s drowsy reply as he dimmed the lightstone near him and they drifted off to sleep.

On the second ship, Bomonga was chatting with Kai as she locked the wheel in position and turned to do the same with the rudder, “Will you be alright Rahaga?” she yawned when she’d finished.
“Of course, it’s been a while since I’ve sailed, but I enjoyed every moment.” he replied then watched as his young friend headed off to rest.

~*~

In Nokama’s all was quiet as the Turaga slept peacefully, Anuenue snuggled close to Nuju, then all the Turaga except her began to dream.

Turning over Nokama rolled into Matau’s side, waking him, “Uh… Eh water-sis?” the Turaga of Air muttered puzzled as he sat up rubbing his eyes.
The movement woke Nokama, who sat up and glanced around curiously, “Where are we?” she wondered, standing up for a better look and glancing over to where their brothers sat.
“Not sure, but it’s pretty-nice.” Matau remarked quietly as they went to join the others.
“This must be the flowered meadow Aikane and Anuenue mentioned on several occasions.” Onewa murmured amazed, as they were joined by Nokama and Matau, the Turaga gazed around fascinated by the riot of colour.

“I think Anuenue understated just how beautiful it is here.” Dume quietly commented as they sat together watching the flowers moving in the breeze.
Unseen by the Turaga, a figure came out of the mist surrounding the flowered meadow and silently walked over to them.
“May I join you?” a voice that Dume and Vakama recognised, startled the group and they scrambled up, Vakama exclaimed, “Lhikan.” a delighted smile on his mask, “Well met brother.” Turaga Lhikan chuckled as they gathered around him.

Nuju was watching several flowers bobbing in the breeze near where he sat, wondering why Anuenue wasn’t sharing this dream and was about to ask Lhikan, when the Fire Turaga stood up and glanced around at his brothers and sister.
“I know why you’ve all been feeling tired over the past few days.” he said quietly, “The time is approaching for you to enter into legend.”
“WHAT!” Nuju yelled stunned, making everyone jump, “Brother we all knew this would happen sometime.” Dume replied sternly as he stared at the Turaga of Ice, who flushed and bowed his head.
“Is that why Anuenue isn’t here?” Whenua quietly asked after several minutes were spent coming to terms with what would soon happen to him and the others.
Turaga Lhikan nodded, “Raigi told me this is how it was for him. For several days he felt increasingly tired, then one day he fell asleep talking with some Toa and awoke in the spirit realm.” he explained, watching as Nokama and Matau hugged and Nuju looked anxiously at his brothers.
“Anuenue.” the Turaga of Ice whispered sorrowfully, while Whenua went to try and comfort his icy brother, Dume and Vakama glanced at Lhikan, “We can’t just depart without giving our sister some warning.” Nokama murmured as she and Matau joined them.
“True but what’s the best way?” the Turaga of Earth asked sitting beside Dume and Lhikan, he then yawned and lay back on the grass.
“We’ll discuss it when we’ve woken up ad see if Aikane, Kokua and Amaya can help by distracting Anuenue.” Dume replied, glancing around and noting that his brothers and sister had fallen asleep.
Lhikan watched as the Turaga’s spirits returned to their bodies, then silently returned to the spirit realm.

~*~

Bomonga was still enjoying the sensation of the ship travelling through the waves when Keahi came on deck and smiled at the Rahaga of Earth before moving to join him.
As she approached, he noticed she had a canister with her, “Thought you might something.” the pale Matoran explained as she reached them.
“That’s kind of you.” he smiled as Keahi sat beside him, “Well I couldn’t settle and when Kai came to rest I decided not to disturb her.”
Quietly the Rahaga and Matoran watched the stars as the ships continued towards the island of Mata Nui, “Do you have a favourite place in the island?” Bomonga asked sometime later while passing the canister back to Keahi, who was observing the northern lights.
“Yes there is somewhere,” she murmured softly, “I hope to visit it while we’re there.” Keahi then yawned and rubbed her mask, “I think I’d better go and rest before I fall asleep where I am.”
“Agreed, things are calm and I’m also starting to doze off.” the ebon hued Rahaga softly chuckled, resting his arm around Keahi’s shoulders and wondering about what the pale scarred Matoran hadn’t said.
When Keahi had settled, falling asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow, Bomonga went to join Pouks and Gaaki, dimming the lightstone as he settled in his hammock.

~*~

Dume sat up, glancing around at his brothers and sisters; the only one still sleeping was Anuenue, gesturing towards the conference room, Dume nodded when the others silently agreed.
Nuju went to moved from where he sat, only to find that Anuenue had a tight hold of his robe, smiling he switched to his Mahiki and formed an illusory one, leaving the real one in his closefriend’s hands.
When they entered the conference room, the Turaga embraced then sat on the couches by the windows, “How can we let Anuenue know?” Onewa whispered, glancing over to Dume, who looked pensive.
“Telling her straight out wouldn’t be fair. We’ll have to gently guide her towards what will happen.” the elder Turaga of Fire replied softly after thinking for several minutes.

“We could take her around our metru and drop hints.” Nokama quietly suggested, drawing agreement from her brothers, then they quietly talked for several minutes before returning to their beds.
*I’ll go last.* Nuju clicked softly as he settled back beside Anuenue, who was hugging his robe, a contented smile on her mask, the others nodded understanding why, then Vakama whispered, “We’ll all meet there one last time.”
Everyone sighed quietly and settled for the remainder of the night, Whenua smiled reassuringly at Vakama, who looked distressed about what he’d just said, “It’s alright brother.” the brown hued Turaga whispered as his brother’s eyes closed.
Nuju gazed at his sleeping closefriend until he could no longer keep his eyes open.


maskofdestiny.proboards52.com/index.cgi?board=creativeoutlet&action=display&thread=1402

[Kokua aviatrix]

As the early morning light shone into the Turaga’s bedroom, Anuenue stirred and rubbed her eyes before sitting up, “Opps, done it again.” a soft whispered roused Onewa and he rolled over to watch as the Turaga of Colour tried to replace Nuju’s robe without waking him, her mask glowing pink.

After a few minutes Anuenue stood up and glanced around at her brothers and sister, then when she realized Onewa had been watching and the blush spread to cover her completely.
“Let’s go over to Po-metru visit Keetongu, Notegeku and the cubs.” he chuckled softly, grinning as his rainbow hued sister nodded, then followed her brother, who paused to write a note for Whenua.

...

While the Turaga of Colour and Stone headed for the remotest chute station, Whenua, Matau and Vakama woke and took turns reading the note, “What will you do when Anuenue gets back brother?” Vakama asked as they went through to the conference room.
Whenua shrugged, “I’m not sure yet, might invite her to have one of our crazy discussions.”
“Well it might be a good way to lead-guide her towards what will occur-happen.” Matau commented softly as they gazed out the windows.
Roughly half an hour later, the others joined them and quietly talking amongst themselves, the Turaga made plans as they went to get breakfast.

~*~

Glancing around when they left the remote chute station, Onewa and Anuenue walked to where the Kikanalo herd rested, on the way they switched to their Rau.
“The colours in the rocks never fail to amaze me.” Anuenue muttered gazing around at the rock formations, “Yes, they are beautiful and soothing to look at.” the Turaga of Stone chuckled.

The Kikanalo chief glanced round as he stretched and rumbled a greeting, *Would you be so kind as to give us a lift to Keetongu’s cavern?* Anuenue enquired, after the young calf energetically butted her, nearly knocking her over before going to wash Onewa’s mask before his dam had a chance to call him back.
*Just as well our green friend isn’t here* Anuenue’s friend rumbled with amusement, while letting the Turaga settle on her back, *Oh look* Onewa laughed, the calf was now bouncing around with excitement.

…

“Wish I had that kind of energy.” Onewa murmured softly while the herd travelled across the Po-metru desert landscape, “But you do brother.” Anuenue replied, glancing back at him.
“Once maybe.” The brown hued Turaga smiled at his rainbow hued sister’s confusion then distracted her by pointing out they were nearly at Keetongu’s.

“And so it begins.” Onewa thought sadly, while Anuenue turned and watched the healing rahi’s cavern come into sight.
As the herd drew closer, a orange/gold figure jumped up and ran into the cavern while the pale green/gold one waved happily to those on the Kikanalo’s back.

Having dismounted, Anuenue was turning to help Onewa down when she found herself being hugged by the delighted cub, “You’re back to visit.” Keliana giggled happily when she finally let go.
By then Keetongu had joined them and assisted Onewa down while rumbling softly at his daughter before greeting the Turaga and inviting them into the cavern.
*We’ll be back later* the chief called to Keetongu, the golden rahi nodded then watched the herd depart to find shade, as they did, the calf tried to stay with the healing rahi until his dam caught hold of him and carried the protesting calf away.

Entering the cavern to join his family and friends, Keetongu smiled, watching as Keliana tugged Anuenue’s hand excitedly, while Naneki led Onewa over to where Notegeku sat, “It’s good to see you again.” she rumbled, helping the brown hued Turaga onto the seat.

As they talked about what the Toa were doing, Anuenue glanced in the direction of the built up areas of Po-metru then smiled, “Aikane, Kokua and Solis are coming.” she remarked, then chuckled as Naneki was dragged by Keliana into a bouncing dance around the cavern, both grinning broadly.

“Calm now younglings.” Notegeku growled softly, after several minutes of amusement and badly stifled laughter from the Turaga.
The cubs stopped their whirlwind dance and hurried over to hug their dam, who softly said something in their tongue, nodding, the cubs replied the Naneki glanced to where Turaga Onewa was stifling a yawn.

“How long before they arrive?” Keetongu enquired after watching Onewa blinking drowsily, glancing up from where she was making Keliana’s feather bird float, Anuenue smiled, “Roughly an hour.” the rainbow hued Turaga replied as the bird ‘landed’ in Keliana’s palm.
“Nap time.” the pale green/gold cub chirped, her free hand catching and tugging Anuenue’s. Surprised, the Turaga of Colour allowed Keliana to lead her over to a pile of moss and, at the young rahi’s insistence, settled down beside her.
As Keliana snuggled against Anuenue, the rainbow hued Turaga glanced round, Naneki and Onewa were settled nearby, both sound asleep, then up at the dark green/gold rahi watching with amusement. “They haven’t done that for a while.” Notegeku rumbled softly, smiling in reply, Anuenue watched the sunlight move slowly across the floor and quietly meditated.

Moving to join her mate as their cubs and the Turaga rested, Notegeku lent against Keetongu and they waited for the arrival of Aikane, Kokua and Solisha, while they stood there, the golden rahi glanced again at where Onewa slept beside Naneki.

…

A gentle shake roused the Turaga of Colour and she glanced up at Notegeku, who whispered, “Your sisters have arrived.”
Smiling up at her dark green/gold friend, Anuenue then attempted to disentangle Keliana’s arms from around her neck.
Finally Notegeku chuckled and lifted up the pair then carried them over to the log seat, “She’s got quite a grip on her.” Solisha giggled as they joined her, Kokua and Aikane.

“Feathers.” came a sleepy whisper as Keliana finally let go of Anuenue and reached out to Kokua, “Indeed.” Keetongu rumbled while Onewa and Naneki, rubbing sleep from their eyes, joined the group.
“Onua asked us to pass on a message, sis.” Aikane said while Keetongu passed some beakers to them and Kokua began tickling Keliana, finally waking the young rahi up.
The Turaga of Colour raised an eyebrow as she swallowed the water, “Mmm, what about?” Anuenue enquired curiously, before everyone glanced round as Wanimua and Makeo flew into the cavern and landed nearby, “Wani!” Keliana crowed happily, as he and the feathered serpent joined the group.
Watching as the young healing rahi shifted closer to their friends, Aikane passed on the message.
“Turaga Whenua wants to finish discussing the differences between the rahi of this world and yours.”

While Anuenue chuckled quietly, the cubs glanced at each other puzzled by what the violet hued Toa had said, then Naneki shifted to sit beside the Turaga of Colour.
“Your world?” he chirped fascinated, Anuenue nodded, “It’s a long story.” she replied, smiling at the orange/gold rahi, “You tell us?” Keliana piped up while everyone stood up to leave the cavern.
“I will later, I promise.” The rainbow hued Turaga kindly replied, grinning as the cubs squeaked happily and squeezed her hands excitedly.

“Here comes mischief.” Solisha giggled, before waving to the Kikanalo herd as it came into sight, the calf racing ahead eager to reach his playmates and peacock hued herd member.

While the calf and cubs chased around, the rest of the herd reached where the Toa, rahi, Torahka and Turaga, all laughing at the young rahi’s antics.
*Greetings peacock one, how is your lifemate?* the chief enquired, growling softly with amusement when Keliana broke from the chase and came to rub his nose.
*He is fine thank you, herd leader* Solisha politely replied before deftly avoiding being knocked over by the calf as he shot past, *Enough young one. You might hurt someone* the chief growled softly, while his dam moved to intercept him, reluctantly the calf slowed down then nudged his dam, who rumbled softly.
While the Kikanalo decided who would give Kokua and Aikane a lift, the chief nudged Solisha and Anuenue’s friend insisted on taking the Turaga back, by the time they were settled the suns were beginning to lower in the sky.

“Farewell.” Keetongu rumbled as the herd started back to the remote chute station, then watched as they moved out of sight.
*What’s wrong with ‘raga On'wa?* Naneki asked, gazing up at his sire, Keliana listening, also concerned by how tired the Turaga of Stone had been. Sighing deeply, the golden rahi scooped the cubs up and quietly began explaining as they re-entered the cavern.

~*~

Reaching the remote chute station as afternoon shifted to evening, everyone thanked the Kikanalo and watched the herd as they went to rest, then as Kokua took flight towards Onu-metru, the others headed back to the Po-metru main station.

“I wonder why Onewa said that?” Anuenue mused as they journeyed through the chute, Aikane glancing over to where her rainbow hued sister was gazing into space.

“Hey colour-sis, lighten up.” Aikane’s ‘voice’ roused Anuenue as they began to see the chutes converging on the main station, “Sorry mio away.” the Turaga of Colour ‘laughed’ shifting closer to Onewa and linking arms with him.

On leaving the chute, they were met by Onua, Pohatu and Tahu, “Have a good day Turaga?” Pohatu asked as the group headed for the chute leading past Onu-metru.
“It was a very interesting day.” Onewa replied, stifling a yawn, “Rest well brother.” Anuenue grinned, hugging the Turaga of Stone before she entered the chute with Solisha, their brother and sister having gone ahead.
Turaga Onewa watched quietly as his sisters disappeared towards Onu-metru, then he and Pohatu headed for their homes, “I’ll be going to visit Nuju in the next few days.” the Turaga of Stone replied when Pohatu asked what his plans were.
The brown hued Toa then bid his friend pleasant dreams and watched as the weary Turaga entered his home.
Closing the door, Onewa yawned while glancing round at the familiar surroundings then made his way to the couch, for a few minutes he quietly read, then placed the book back on the table and retired to bed.

~*~

When they reached the Onu-metru main station, the Toa and Turaga were met by Kokua and Barda, who were laughing about what Rei and Wotzit had been getting up.
“Turaga Whenua said to meet him at the archives, Turaga Anuenue.” the Matoran explained while wiping tears of mirth away as they headed there, “Bit late for working isn’t it?” Aikane commented as they walked along while replying to the greetings called out by the Matoran heading to their homes as the stars brightened the sky.

“I don’t think Whenua has work on his mind.” Onua chuckled as the archives came into view, the Toa of Earth then invited the others to stay at his, “That would be nice.” Kokua absently replied while watching their rainbow hued sister walking along side Barda, both still laughing about Rei’s antics.
"We'll catch up with you later, sis." Aikane silently called while linking arms with Tahu then whispering something that made him blush, and grinned as Kokua and Solisha snickered at the fiery Toa's embarrassment. "Alright sis." came the laughing reply as Turaga and Matoran reached the archives, Anuenue turning to wave before they entered.

"Good evening sister, Barda." Whenua said as he glanced up from what he'd been studying and smiled as they entered the small room, which the Turaga of Colour noticed now had two camp beds set up and supper sitting on the table.
"Thank you Turaga but I want to have a chat with Kokua." Barda politely replied when Whenua invited him to join them for supper, nodding, both Turaga smiled as he bowed and headed off to join the Torahka.

…

When she'd finished eating, Anuenue picked up the sheet her brother had been reading when she and Barda arrived, "Ah yes. We're up to reptiles." the rainbow hued Turaga grinned while her brother sat on one of the beds. "Yes, we've covered the ones that are similar like lizards, snakes and turtles. So what's next?" he asked, wondering on how to give a hint on what was going to happen.
Anuenue settled on the second bed, deep in thought then chuckled, "How about crocodiles?"
"Sound interesting, can't wait." Whenua yawned, pulling the blanket over himself as the need for sleep became overwhelming. Glancing to where her brother rested, Anuenue smiled then dimmed the lightstone and got comfortable, drifting into sleep soon after.

...


Halfway through the night, the Turaga of Colour sat up suddenly and drowsily peered round the room, "Could have sworn someone called my name." she thought as she settled back and returned to sleep.

~*~

Over in Ko-metru, Matoro sleepily peered around the Turaga of Ice's bedroom door, wondering what he'd been dreaming about to have called out his closefriend's name.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Both Turaga were woken by the smell of freshly baked bread as Taipu carried a tray into the room, "What a nice way to be woken." Anuenue commented while stretching. "Thank you Taipu." Whenua added as he hid a grin at the Matoran's sudden blush at the Turaga of Colour's praise, and mumbled, "It was nothing." Taipu hastily departed leaving the Turaga in peace.

When they'd finished, Whenua and Anuenue made their way to one of the lecture rooms while curious Matoran glanced up and exchanged greetings with them.

"So what does a..." Whenua glanced briefly at the list "Croc," he glanced puzzled at his rainbow hued sister as she switched to her Mahiki and giggled, "I thought the name was longer?"
"It is but most people call them crocs. I use to watch one guy called Steve Irwin. He really had an empathy with them." Anuenue replied as she moved to stand in the centre of the room and activated her mask.

"SPIRITS!"
The exclamation that echoed from the lecture room had many of the Matoran pause in their cataloguing and crowding around the door, peering fascinated at what they could see.
As a chorus of whistles and murmurs caught the strange rahi's attention, it shuffled round to look at them then flashed a fearsome set of teeth at them before a glow surrounded it and Turaga Anuenue reappeared, laughing merrily.
"The expressions on their masks were priceless." the rainbow hued Turaga giggled as she sat back beside her brother and accepted the sheets he passed her. While Whenua listened to what his sister knew about crocodiles and their relatives his pen flying over the sheets, she sketched a rough picture of one then began adding detail, carefully enhancing the image.

The Turaga were so deep in conversation that they never realized that Aikane, Tahu and Kokua were watching them curiously before quietly departing to head for the chute for Ta-metru.
"I'll come back later." Kokua commented as Tahu and Aikane paused outside the chute station to chat with Onua and Barda, the Matoran grinned then glanced at the Torahka. "Kokua, do you think Solis would mind if I came and saw Rei? It's kinda quiet without her around."
The hybrid laughed then caught the Matoran up in a hug, "I'm certain they won't mind, tell you what I'll go and ask." she said as she set him down then spread her wings and shot off in the direction of Ga-metru.

~*~

In Ga-metru, Nokama was standing on the shingle watching a large pod of razor whales as they frolicked in the sea, leaping clear of the water from time to time, when crunching footsteps heralded the arrival of Toa Gali and Ahonui.
"It's the closest they've come for a while." the Turaga of Water remarked as her friends reached her, "I've heard that Macku used to ride on their backs." Ahonui replied, longing in his voice as he gazed fascinated at the leviathans.
"Well you'll have to ask her when she returns." Nokama replied kindly, placing a hand on the violet and light gold Matoran's shoulder before she glanced up at Gali.
"Could you go to Ta-metru and wait for Anuenue and your sisters?" the Turaga of Water enquired as the blue hued Toa smiled as she watched the razor whales dive then turned to where Nokama stood. Glancing curiously at her oldest friend, Gali was slightly puzzled but smiled again, "Alright, I still owe Taka one for that prank he pulled." she laughed before bowing to the Turaga and headed off to the nearest chute station.

...

"Are you alright Turaga?" Ahonui enquired, a troubled look in his eyes as she suddenly yawned. Nokama glanced at the former Vahki's worried mask then smiled sadly, "Your time as Guardian of the Prophecies has made you very perceptive." the blue hued Turaga murmured as she sat on a nearby slab of rock and indicated that he should join her.
Then while the suns moved steadily through the sky, Ahonui listened intently as Nokama explained what was going to happen then asked him not to tell anyone, "I-I-I won't Turaga." he whispered while rubbing his mask dry.
Knowing just how much she was asking of him, Nokama gently hugged her violet and light gold friend until he regained control.

"I'm sorry about that Nokama." Ahonui said once he'd finished drying his mask, as it glowed pink while he straightened up. "It's alright. Now could you help me work out what we can do when Anuenue gets here." the Turaga of Water kindly replied as they slowly made their way from the shore.

…

"I need to go to the Great Temple." Ahonui commented quietly when they'd reached the park before the causeway, "Turaga Nokama nodded, glad that her Rau hid another yawn that she couldn't prevent.

While Turaga and Matoran made their way across the causeway, the butterflies basking on the Great Temple roof suddenly took wing and fluttered through the skylight to circle around the Toa Suva. As they circled above it, their wing colours shifting continuously, the ones who'd befriended the Turaga swooped down to perch briefly on the Toa Suva, their wings dimming for a moment before returning to their usual brightness. Then the seven rejoined the flock and their returned outside to continue basking in the sunlight, as they settled the green flecked yellow one shifted away from the flock to watch as Turaga Nokama and Ahonui reached the entrance of the Great Temple.
…

Unaware they’d been watched; the Turaga and Matoran went inside and made their way to the main chamber. While heading for the corridor where Ahonui stayed from time to time, Nokama was unable to stifle a deep yawn and blinked drowsily at Ahonui while he steadied her.
“Come and rest, Turaga.” The concerned Matoran insisted, carefully guiding her into his quarters and settling her on his bed, covering the exhausted Turaga with a blanket.
Sitting on the bench nearby, Ahonui quietly watched Nokama then sighed, “You will be sorely missed my friend.”

Then he moved to a small alcove and brushed his hand over a stone, moving it slightly, a portion of the wall swung out to reveal a tunnel. Glancing again at his friend, Ahonui then stepped into the tunnel, the wall closing silently behind him. After letting his eyes adjust to the dim light, Ahonui walked through the tunnel until he reached a tiny room, its floor patterned with the Bionicle symbol.
The only source of light was a violet lightstone Anuenue had given him, Ahonui brushed his hand over it before settling cross legged in the centre of the room, he then slipped into a meditative trance and slowly brought his sorrow under control, while focusing on what lay ahead.

When he felt calm, Ahonui quickly returned to his quarters and quietly prepared something to eat and drink for his slowly waking friend.
Nokama slowly became aware of her surroundings and opened her eyes in time to see Ahonui carrying a tray into the room before he realized she'd woken and smiled at her.
"How long did I sleep for?" Turaga Nokama murmured as she sat up allowing the violet and light gold Matoran to rest the tray on her lap, "A few hours, you look brighter." Ahonui smiled, sitting back on the bench a piece of fruit in his hand.

~*~

Unaware of what was taking place in the Great Temple, Anuenue was finishing a drawing of a crocodiles' nest when she heard Whenua yawn, "You ok?" the rainbow hued Turaga exclaimed surprised, glancing over to her ebon hued brother.
He tried to reply, but an even bigger yawn arrived, rendering him momentarily speechless, "Sorry sis, I need a rest." Whenua chuckled embarrassed as she gave him a hand to stand up.
"That's alright, we can carry on later." Anuenue replied with a quiet laugh, Whenua smiled, "That would be nice, but I'm not sure I'll have time." he replied managing to keep his voice steady.
Thinking that her brother meant he had some work piled up, the Turaga of Colour hugged Whenua as they re-entered the room they'd used over night and helped him settle on one of the camp beds, "Rest well brother." Whenua heard before he fell into dreamless sleep.

Returning to the lecture room, Anuenue read through what Whenua had written then placed the notes with the drawings in neat piles before going to find Taipu and tell him she was going to head for Ta-metru.
"May I accompany you until Kokua returns?" Taipu shyly asked, a faint blush evident on his mask, Turaga Anuenue smiled kindly, "Of course, I'm guessing you'll be heading for Ga-metru afterwards." she murmured softly as they made their way towards the archives main entrance, then patted his shoulder as his blush grew deeper.
"May I ask who?" the Turaga of Colour enquired while she and Taipu walked across the main square, "Er alright." came the hesitant reply as the Matoran fidgeted anxiously, catching his hands Turaga Anuenue whispered, "I won't tell anyone."
Then Turaga and Matoran glanced up when Kokua whistled to attract her sisters' attention, the Torahka's wings sparkled in the sunlight as she landed beside her sister and Taipu.
"Ready to head to Ta-metru, sister?" Kokua asked, unaware she'd stumbled into a conversation, patting Taipu's shoulder again, Turaga Anuenue winked, then smiled up at her winged sister, while her companion bowed then headed off to the chute station.
"Yes and looking forward to flying with you as always." the Turaga of Colour laughed happily, while Kokua crouched to let Anuenue wrap her arms firmly around her neck.

As Kokua and Anuenue soared towards Ta-metru, Tahu and Aikane were sitting in the small garden behind Vakama's watching as he and Dume sat inside talking about something that the Toa couldn't hear.
"I wonder what they are planning?" Aikane commented after a while, absently weaving her fingers with Tahu's, the Toa of Fire shrugged as they shifted closer shivering slightly in the chill breeze.
Gazing in the direction the breeze had come from, Aikane chuckled softly, "I once asked Father why there were seasons here seeing as Metru Nui lays under the surface of this planet."
She paused and smiled at her closefriend, "Did the Great Spirit tell you?" Tahu asked curiously when several moments had passed, Aikane chuckled while shifting closer to him.
"Father said it was like this when he first set foot here." his violet hued friend replied while sliding her arm around the fiery Toas' waist, he grinned hugging his closefriend tightly, warming her up and they watched the branches of a nearby tree waving in the wind.

Watching as the Toa of Twilight and Fire as they shifted closer Vakama sighed and turned back to his elder brother, "He's going to be devastated." Vakama voiced his concern, Dume nodded agreeing softly "But from what you've told me, the Toa Nuva will cope admirably and they will still have Turaga Anuenue around." he replied, leaning forward to pick up his mug.
At that comment Vakama chuckled, "I'm sure when she has recovered our sister will do well. Anuenue has had a good teacher" he smiled at his brother toasting Dume with his drink.
"Not just one, several." Dume responded good naturedly, then both noticed Aikane and Tahu waving to someone, "Looks like Anuenue and Kokua have arrived." he added with a chuckle setting his mug down.

"Oh that was exhilarating!" Anuenue laughed as she and Kokua joined their brother and sister, who insisted that the shivering Turaga and Torahka went inside and got warm.
Several minutes Anuenue and Kokua were sitting beside Turaga Dume, enjoying the drinks Tahu insisted on bringing them.
"What are your plans, Turaga?" Aikane enquired
“If you don’t mind sister, I’d like to show you around where I used to work.” Vakama said, while everyone listened intrigued by the commotion going on outside.
“Sounds like Gali’s finally getting her own back for the last prank Taka pulled.” Dume snickered, when footsteps and giggling signalled the arrival of Amaya and Gali.
“That sounds fun.” Anuenue replied, laughing as Gali and Amaya told everyone what they’d done to Takanuva, several minutes later the brightly striped form of the Toa of Light cautiously peered around the doorframe before embarrassedly muttering something and slinking away to dry off.
Turaga Dume was laughing so hard, tears of mirth were running down his mask as he held his sides, “Easy, brother.” Anuenue giggled before she finished her drink and went to hug him.
“We’ll go there tomorrow.” Vakama yawned, then said he was going to rest, Dume agreed and bid their sister, Kokua and the Toa pleasant dreams, “Sounds like it’ll be interesting, sis.” Kokua grinned placing her mug down while Takanuva joined them.
“Interesting look.” Tahu drawled, managing not to start laughing again at his brothers’ bright colours, his comment started Amaya giggling again.
Takanuva lent back against the couch, groaned ruefully and rolled his eyes, “It’ll fade soon.” Gali whispered to Aikane and Anuenue while they snickered along with Kokua.
“We’d better keep it down or we will wake my brothers.” Anuenue managed to say after several moments of laughter, the others agreed and while stifling their mirth made their way to Tahu’s.
“You won’t be doing that again in a hurry, eh Taka?” the Toa of Fire grinned, after they’d bid their sisters pleasant dreams and gone to rest, watching as the stripes faded back to Takanuva’s usual light gold.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” he replied, shifting the pillows around before getting comfy and grinning back at his fiery brother, Tahu chuckled sleepily, then dimmed the lightstones as both Toa settled to sleep.

In the room the others were sharing, everyone was still laughing about the look on Takanuva's mask when he'd peered around the door.
"He looked like a liquorice allsort!" Anuenue snickered while she sat beside Aikane, "A what?!" Gali asked as their sisters looked puzzled at the giggling Turaga of Colour.
"It's a sweet made from the root of the liquorice plant." she replied as her giggles finally subsided and turned to yawns, "Sounds interesting." Aikane said with a chuckle watching, as her sisters got comfortable and began to drift off to sleep.
Lying back after dimming the lightstones Aikane gazed over to the windows and wondered how the Rahaga, Toa Voya and Matoran were faring, slowly her eyes grew heavy and the Toa of Twilight fell asleep.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Over Metru Nui all was quiet, then in the heart of the Great Temple a glowing mist formed and slowly coalesced into Mata Nui and Rhya Nui’s brilliant white and dusky forms.
The dusky Great Spirit glanced around at the carvings of all the Toa with great interest then nodded as her brother moved to examine the carvings of the Toa Metru. The glow only visible to them was slowly growing dim as both Great Spirits watched, "Do they have time to try and prepare Turaga Anuenue?" Rhya Nui asked as she joined her brother.
"Just and no more." the Great Spirit replied, standing up and turning to his concerned sister as she murmured sadly, "And all we can do is watch."
Silently they hugged as the glowing mist returned and the Great Spirits departed the Great Temple.

~*~

The boats were sailing steadily towards the island of Mata Nui as a fresh breeze played in the rigging, Reshana and Ferinus, though feeling sleepy, were sitting in a hammock watching the moonlight dancing on the waves.
Keahi and Gaaki were stood by the wheel, quietly chatting about Ga-koro and the surrounding Wahi while keeping an eye on their friends. “I think we’d better get them some blankets.” Keahi commented as the Toa shifted in the hammock as they fell asleep, arms draped loosely round each other.
“How long until we see the island?” the blue hued Rahaga enquired while they draped blankets over their sleeping friends. Keahi smiled, rather sadly, Gaaki thought; “We should be docking in Ga-koro by first light. That’s why I’m doing a double shift, so that Macku’s sharp for any problems with the harbour.” The pale Matoran replied as they returned to the stairs leading up to the wheel deck.
“Thanks for keeping me company.” She added after they’d watched some thin clouds moving through the sky, occasionally dimming the moonlight.
The Rahaga of Water chuckled gently, “Well I knew you’d welcome the company, and Bomonga was wondering if you’d show him the place you were talking about last night.” Glancing at her friend, Gaaki was surprised to see a faint blush appearing on Keahi’s mask as she glanced at the blue Rahaga, quietly Gaaki shifted closer and hugged the startled Matoran.

“You alright?” she asked as Keahi regained her composure, “Yes thank you, Gaaki,” the Matoran softly replied then added, “I’d rather show you, if Bomonga doesn’t mind.”
Keahi peered at her friend as the Rahaga of Water laughed softly, “Of course, I’ll let him know tomorrow.” Then they glanced up as Macku came on deck and came to join them.
“Is it that time already?” Keahi commented when Macku reached them, “Yup and not a moment too soon by the sleepy look in your eyes.” She teased her pale friend gently as Keahi suddenly yawned.
“Alright, it’s been peaceful.” Her friend smiled drowsily before hugging Macku then weaved her tired way across the deck and vanished below stairs.

“They look happy.” Macku grinned as she and Gaaki went to check on their sleeping friends. “Yes after all the mayhem of the past two years, all the Toa could do with some time to relax.” Gaaki replied before shifting the blanket covering Reshana back over the indigo hued Toa.
“There’s still a quarter of the night left. You should get some rest Rahaga.” Macku said after a while and noticing that Gaaki was swaying slightly, “Hmm, yes I suppose I should.” She admitted, “Though I was hoping to get a glimpse of the island before we arrived.”
Yawning deeply, the Rahaga of Water bid Macku good night and made her way across deck and went below. Reaching the room used by her brothers, Gaaki clambered into her hammock and tugged the blanket over herself, falling asleep as she did.
Looking towards the horizon, Macku softly hummed one of the tunes Malie had introduced those of Metru Nui to and watched for the first signs of false dawn.

…

Ferinus slowly became aware he was being used as a pillow and opened his eyes. After glancing at his closefriend, the young Earth Toa, without moving shifted his gaze out to sea.
In the pre-dawn light, the few clouds he could see were silver edged with bright gold and seemed to hang motionless in a pale violet sky. “It’s beautiful.” a sleepy whisper tickled his cheek, “But not as beautiful as you.” Ferinus whispered back as Reshana smiled back at him.

~*~

Amaya was lying in her bed, listening to her sisters sleeping and watching raindrops running down the windows.
"Aw nuts, if there's one thing more annoying than rain, it's cold rain!" stifled muttering reached the Toa of Colour, turning over, Amaya grinned at her winged sister as she glared at the wet windows. "Don't worry sis, it'll pass."
"I know, it's just that I don't like not being able to fly." Kokua replied, wrapping the blanket around herself as she moved to sit on Amaya's bed.
Laughing quietly the rainbow hued Toa shifted up to give her sister space, "You going with Anuenue when she joins Vakama and Dume?" Amaya whispered as they waited for their sisters to wake up.
"It would be fun. But I think that tour is just for her." Kokua replied while faint sounds came from some of the other beds as their sisters began to wake.

Turaga Dume and Vakama were quietly chatting in the living room when the Toa, Kokua and Anuenue joined them for breakfast.
"What will you do while we're visiting the foundries?" Dume asked while sipping his drink glancing over to the Toa and Kokua as they finished eating.
"If it stops raining I'm going to see how Lewa is." Kokua murmured, a dreamy look in her eyes, Takanuva glanced mischievously at his winged sister and was about to tease her when Amaya pulled a sphere of colour out the air and spun it on her finger while glancing pointedly at her closefriend until he got the message.
"I'm sure we'll find something to do." Tahu replied after managing not to burst out laughing at the expression on his brother's mask.
"Good, well shall we set off sister?" Vakama smiled as he and Dume stood up, "Lead on, brother." Anuenue chuckled, moving to join them.
"Hey feather sis, the rain's easing." the Turaga of Colour called to Kokua as she, Vakama and Dume stood under the eves.
While Kokua went to join the Turaga, Aikane suggested that they went over to Ga-metru "Sounds good, we can see what Nokama's up to." Gali replied as the Toa followed their winged sister.

The rain eased to a fine mist as everyone watched then as sunlight peeked through the clouds Kokua said she'd come back later before spreading her wings and heading for Le-metru.
The Toa and Turaga headed towards the foundries and main chute station, "So what are you going to do sis?" Anuenue enquired, glancing up at Amaya while she avoided Takanuva's attempt to nudge her into a puddle, "I'm going to see how the butterflies are doing." her rainbow hued sister grinned.
"And we'll be making sure Taka behaves himself." Gali added snickering as she caused the puddle to form into a sphere of water and manoeuvred it over Takanuva's head, laughing as the Toa of Light yelped and dashed into the chute station.
Amaya hugged her rainbow hued sister before catching up with their brother and sisters, "Have fun." Tahu grinned before entering the chute station, Anuenue laughed and waved back before turning to join Vakama and Dume.

~*~

"You know Vakama wasn't the only one who worked making masks." Dume said as the Turaga made their way towards the foundries, "Really. You did too?" Anuenue murmured surprised as Vakama chuckled.
"Well it was more design and sorting Kanoka discs, but Vakama and I worked in the same foundry at different times." the elder Turaga of Fire laughed as his sister whistled in amazement.

While the Turaga continued towards the foundry they were joined by Kapura and Dezalk, who asked if he could go with them.
"Don't see why not." Anuenue smiled, as everyone took shelter from a sudden burst of rain, watching as their sister chatted with Dezalk, the Turaga of Fire glanced at each other then Dume shrugged.
"This was unexpected." he whispered, Vakama nodded, "But helpful as we still haven't worked out what to say."
Following their sister and Dezalk as the foundry they were heading for came into sight, Vakama and Dume worked out what hints they should give.

"Just in time, the rain's coming back." the elder Turaga muttered, glancing towards the north as everyone headed inside the foundry, Anuenue glancing around curiously.
"This way sister." Vakama said after she'd finished watching Nuhrii put the final touches to a kohlii shield.
As the Turaga and Dezalk walked through the foundry the Matoran working there paused to greet them and they spent several minutes chatting before going back to their work.

On reaching the floor where the Turaga of Fire had once worked, Vakama and Dume paused, "We need a short rest." Dume explained while he and Vakama sat down, surprised Turaga Anuenue and Dezalk nodded then smiled as they sat beside Dume.
After a few minutes Anuenue and Dezalk realized that both Turaga had fallen asleep, "Are the Turaga all right?" Ahodan enquired as he joined Anuenue and Dezalk as they quietly chatted, waiting for Dume and Vakama to wake up.
"Just resting, it's alright." the rainbow hued Turaga smiled, then she and Dezalk followed Ahodan to a viewpoint not far from where they'd been sitting, "Whoa that's amazing." Turaga Anuenue exclaimed as she, Dezalk and Ahodan watched liquid protodermis being poured into channels leading from the main furnace.

Rousing first Dume gently shook Vakama's shoulder until he woke and after stretching, both went to join their sister and the Matoran, "Rest well brothers?" Anuenue grinned as Dume and Vakama stopped beside her.
"Yes thanks. Shall we continue to where Vakama and I once worked?" the elder Turaga of Fire chuckled, hiding his chagrin at having dozed off.

Turaga Anuenue and Dezalk nodded and all were about to leave the viewpoint when some Matoran working around the furnace suddenly shouted out before one ran over to a lever and hurriedly pulled it.
"What's wrong?" Anuenue said concerned, watching as the molten protodermis began heaving and bubbling.
"OH!" she and Dezalk exclaimed, amazed as the surface of the protodermis parted and the long elegant neck of a rahi emerged, red-hot protodermis trickling from it's head.
"That sister, Dezalk, is a protodrake. It's nice to see one." Vakama explained, then lent closer to Anuenue and whispered in his rainbow hued sisters ear, "One last time."
Subconsciously the whisper was heard by Anuenue, but she was so entranced by the sight of the protodrake as it emerged from the molten protodermis letting the excess slide from it's body that she never realized what her brother had said.
As the last of the protodermis fell from it the drake lifted it's head and gave a trumpeting call, "Can it be?" Turaga Dume exclaimed, leaning over the railing in anticipation.
"What? Brother be careful!" Anuenue exclaimed, glancing at the waiting drake then back at the protodermis. As everyone watched, not one but three smaller heads poked out the protodermis before their owners launched themselves out of it and gathered around the larger drake.

"They're amazing." Dezalk whispered as the protodrakes then soared out of the open roof and disappeared from view, Vakama chuckled ruefully "Sort of makes a trip around a work shop kind of dull."
Anuenue laughed, "I still want to see where you worked." she replied, then switched her rainbow hues for shades of red and giggled at her brother’s expressions before they chuckled.
"This way." Dume smiled, leading his sister and Dezalk down a passage way and into a smaller workroom, then let Vakama take the lead.
"It was just here, where I'd just chucked a flawed mask onto the reject pile when my life changed completely." the Turaga of Fire murmured as Dezalk listened, fascinated and Anuenue nodded.
"So much has happened since." he added then smiled as the Turaga of Colour squeezed his arm gently as Vakama yawned, "I think we should head back to yours and let you and Dume rest." Anuenue commented as he lent against her.

"Not before I show you where I worked." Turaga Dume yawned determinedly, then smiled as Dezalk said he'd wait with Vakama, "Alright brother, lead on." the rainbow hued Turaga chuckled, joining her elder brother.
"In here." Dume said after they'd walked a short distance and entered a well-lit room, heading over to a wall where hundreds of neatly rolled drawings were stored.
"Several of these I helped design and...." Turaga Dume swiftly counted the rows then removed one of the scrolls and turned back to the table.

Weighing the corners down, Dume carefully unrolled the paper revealing a intricate schematic of a mask almost identical to Anuenue's, "This turned out to be the last design I did before becoming Toa." he explained as Dezalk whistled softly.
"Wow, that's amazing. Was it ever used?" Anuenue murmured stunned, glancing up at her brother as he stifled a yawn, "No, Turaga Daiki thought it was too individual for use."
The Turaga of Colour chuckled softly and after she'd placed the drawing back, linked arms with her sleepy brother and with Dezalk's help led him back to where Vakama and Ahodan waited. While they headed for the exit, Kapura and Nuhrii offered to help escort the weary Turaga home and after making sure it wasn’t raining, they headed towards the main square and Vakama’s home.

…

"Easy Turaga, we're nearly there." Kapura murmured as Vakama yawned so hard; he stumbled slightly while crossing the square.
"Sorry, I'm just so sleepy." the Turaga of Fire mumbled as they were joined by Kokua, who lent a hand helping the nearly asleep Turaga into Vakama's.
After settling Dume and Vakama on their beds, Kapura, Ahodan and Dezalk bowed and quietly left to join their friends.
"We'll see you over at Nuju's in the next few days." Dume managed to say to Anuenue as he fell asleep, Vakama was already snoring quietly.
"See you when I get there, brother." Anuenue whispered before tugging the curtains across to dim the afternoon light and headed outside with Kokua.

[Kokua aviatrix]

In Ga-metru, Nokama and Ahonui were chatting with Akara, Suna and Lari while Gali and Amaya watched the butterflies as they danced around the Toa. Aikane was gazing in the direction of the Great Temple as she got a strange feeling that something was going to happen in the next few days.
“Hey sis, what you thinking about?” Amaya enquired when she came to sit beside her violet hued sister, “Oh nothing much, just wondering what the Rahaga and Toa Voya are doing.” Aikane grinned, shifting up to let her rainbow hued sister join her. “I hope Keahi’s all right. She was nervous about going back.” Amaya replied softly, leaning back against the wall as the increasing cloud cover slowly obscured the afternoon sunlight, bringing a chilly breeze with it.
“We’d better go in soon.” Turaga Nokama said as the Ga-matoran, with much giggling and nudging, headed off to see their closefriends, while Ahonui stayed nearby. “Hope Kokua gets here before the rain does.” Gali replied, then laughed and waved to an approaching speck, which quickly resolved itself into their sisters.
“Just in time.” Anuenue chuckled while Kokua crouched to let her climb off and everyone felt the first droplets of rain landing on them.

~*~

Sitting in the living room, everyone listened fascinated as Anuenue told them about her trip around the foundry and the unexpected appearance of the protodrakes. “Spirits, did Dume scare me when he lent over the railing, but when the big one called out I was right beside him with Dezalk hanging onto my robe.” she chuckled before finishing her drink.
Nokama smiled, “It’s nice to know they’re coming back.” she murmured before yawning deeply, apologized then bid everyone pleasant dreams.
“Sleep well.” the Toa, Torahka, Turaga and Matoran responded, bowing politely to Nokama as she headed for bed, they then quietly talked about protodrakes until Ahonui curled up in a chair and drifted off to sleep.
“Spirits, it’s nearly midnight.” Aikane murmured in surprise, glancing at the clock while Gali fetched a blanket for their violet and light gold friend. “No wonder Kokua’s yawning.” the Turaga of Colour replied, yawning as she spoke then drowsily smiled at their winged sister while they helped each other through to the bedroom, settling down everyone sleepily and drifted into sleep.

…

"Daughter," a gentle call worked through Aikane’s dreams and she drowsily opened her eyes before stretching and sitting up.
Moonlight was shining into the bedroom, and after glancing round at her sisters, Aikane silently moved to stand in the patch of moonlight, peering around wondering what Mata Nui had called to her. A feeling that she should sit down came over the Toa of Twilight; while she settled cross-legged Aikane realized that she couldn’t see the bedroom anymore.
Glancing around surprised, Aikane found she could see nothing past the moonlight, “Father?” she called softly then waited, curious as to what was going on.

…

“Wha…” Aikane jumped, waking from the doze she’d drifted into as someone gently shook her arm. Peering at the one who’d woken her, the violet hued Toa was surprised to see a Turaga she’d never seen before.
He was sat close beside her smiling reassuringly as she blinked in surprise, “I thought Father wanted to see me.” the Toa of Twilight murmured while they looked at each other.
Unseen the Great Spirit and dusky Great Spirit glanced at each other smiled and waited.
Aikane was about to introduce herself to the spirit Turaga of Earth when he chuckled softly; “I am honoured to meet the Daughter of Mata Nui.” he said then laughed as Aikane blushed.
“You have an advantage over me, Turaga.” she murmured as they tapped fists, “I am Daiki, I was Turaga of Metru Nui when Dume was a Matoran.”
They then glanced up as a gentle lilting melody suddenly filtered into the moonlit area and the sleeping spirit of Turaga Anuenue appeared, the Great Spirit chuckled as his dusky sister softly laughed and they departed.

“It’s amazing just how similar that schematic is to your sister’s mask.” Anuenue heard someone saying as she roused, sensing that something was different as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“Hello Turaga…?” Anuenue murmured when she’d got her bearings and shifted to sit beside Aikane, then the rainbow hued Turaga chuckled as Daiki laughed and introduced himself.

After chatting for a while about the events in Ta-metru, Turaga Daiki shifted closer to Anuenue as Aikane yawned and fell asleep. “Would you mind if I saw your Toa form?” he asked curiously after the Toa of Twilight’s spirit returned to her body, smiling as she switched masks, the Rainbow hued Turaga chuckled, “Don’t see why not.”
Daiki whistled softly as the glow around Anuenue faded, and the ‘Toa’ giggled blushing deeply, “Just as well Nuju isn’t here.” she chortled resuming her usual form and stifling a yawn.
“It’s time I rejoined the others and you need rest sister.” Daiki said gently then shyly hugged his sister, “It was nice to mee…” Anuenue replied, falling asleep before she could finish the sentence.
Carefully resting the sleeping spirit down, Daiki watched as the moonlight grew brighter hiding Anuenue from sight, then the spirit Turaga glanced up as he was joined by Lhikan and Reòta.
“With what she’s been taught and has experienced, Turaga Anuenue will do well.” Turaga Daiki commented as they returned to the spirit realm and Lhikan asked what their brother thought about how capable she would be.

…

Curled up together on the floor, the Toa of Twilight and Turaga of Colour slumbered on in the moonlight. Then a blue glow surrounded them and raised Aikane and Anuenue back onto the violet Toa’s bed, placing the blankets over the sleeping pair. “Sleep well sisters.” Phira whispered as she glanced round the room before departing.

~*~

The day after Anuenue's visit to Ta-metru it was mid morning when Vakama woke, glancing over to where Dume still slept, the Fire Turaga quietly thought for a while before he went through to the living room the left his home.
Looking around the main square the red hued Turaga smiled as Kapura set down what he was working on and came to see if he could be of any help.
"Could you find Jaller and tell him that I'd like a word, please." Vakama said watching his trusted assistant while stifling the sadness he felt, "Right away sir." Kapura replied, bowing before he headed in the direction of the forges.
Sighing quietly, Vakama returned to his home deep in thought then jumped startled as Dume spoke, "You do know I'm going to disapprove of what you're doing." he said, then smiled as his younger brother nodded, a wry smile creeping across his mask.
"Well I've got some things to finish doing in my home here, so you won't have me glaring at you." the dark red Turaga added quietly, "Thank you elder brother." Vakama replied, his thoughts already drifting back to what he should say.
Turaga Dume watched Vakama for a few moments then silently went to his home, nodding to several Matoran as they passed through the square.

~*~

Roughly half an hour later, Dume looked out of his living room window, watching as Jaller and Kapura crossed the square.
"I hope you're doing the right thing brother." the Elder Turaga muttered when Jaller knocked on his brothers' door then, when Vakama opened it and invited the Captain in, bowed politely and entered the Turaga's home.
"You wanted to see me Turaga?" Jaller asked, following Vakama into the living room.
"Yes...I," The Turaga of Fire hesitated, vaguely gesturing for Jaller to sit down while he contemplated what to say. "I...There is a great change coming. I felt you should be prepared,"
"Trouble sir?" The Captain of the Guards asked, instantly alert.
"No, not trouble. Not of the usual kind anyway," Vakama said, sighing deeply. "Jaller, my time as Turaga is nearly up. My brothers and sister will very soon pass into legend,"
Jaller rocked back as if he had been physically struck. He stared at the floor his eyes following the pattern on the rug for a long moment, composing himself before looking back up at the Turaga with a calm mask.
"How long do you have with us?" he asked, unable to keep a slight tremor from his voice.
"Not long," Vakama answered sadly. "Two days perhaps...three at the most,"
The Ta-matoran slumped heavily back in the seat, shock and sorrow in his eyes.
"Is this why the Turaga have been so tired as of late?" he asked. "All but Anuenue,"
Vakama nodded in assent. "Those in the spirit world told us this is how it would be,"
"What are your plans?" Jaller questioned.
"We are taking Anuenue around our respective metru and gradually breaking the news to her," the Turaga of Fire began. "Then we will all meet up in Nuju's for the last time...in the meantime, I have some things to finish doing here..."
He trailed off, looking sorrowfully out into the heart of Ta-Metru, where the spires of his old workplace were visible over the houses.
"I will have to find someone to take care of Ryuu," he said suddenly.
"I'll keep my eye on him," Jaller promised, standing up and walking to where the Turaga stood. The other jumped, startled out of his memories, before smiling and laying a hand on the Captain's shoulder.
"You have been a loyal and caring friend over the years Jaller...I will miss you," he said simply. Jaller swallowed hard and nodded, feeling his calm rapidly beginning to dissolve.
"As will I," he replied, starting as the Turaga held his fist out in the traditional Toa salute. The Captain of the Guards hesitantly tapped his against it, before smiling sorrowfully as he walked with the Turaga to the door.
"I have to ask you not to mention this to the other Matoran," Vakama said when they'd reached the door.
"Of course," Jaller answered, glancing up at the cloudy sky in annoyance. "Only I..."
Turaga Vakama smiled.
"Closefriend excepted Jaller. Though I will be very much surprised if she does not figure it out first," he added, tactfully ignoring his young friend's deepening blush.
"Good bye Turaga...and thanks," Jaller murmured as he headed off.
Watching the Captain of the Guard as he walked in the direction of the chute station, Vakama heard Dume approaching and glanced at his brother when he stopped beside him.
"Still think you did the right thing?" the elder Turaga said after several minutes, "Yes. We can trust Jaller not to say anything and for all I know Hahli may be close to realizing what will happen." Vakama replied as they returned inside.
"So she'll need her closefriend near." Dume nodded, finally understanding why Vakama had seen fit to tell Jaller.

Reaching the chute station, Jaller managed a grin as Dezalk and Lari jumped in surprise, then as they blushed and chuckled he entered the chute going past the coliseum.
When he was sure no-one could see him, the Captain of the Guard rubbed his mask, fighting back the grief determined to be strong for Turaga Vakama's sake.

~*~

It was nearly half an hour later when Jaller reached the coliseum and hurried across the kohlii arena to the tower whilst glaring up at the sky which was darker and more turbulent then the one over Ta-Metru. A brilliant flash of lightning split the sky lighting the hallway as he knocked on the Chronicler's door, and Hahli's voice called "It's open!"
Jaller entered, closing the door just as thunder rumbled and the noise of the wind picked up.
"It's getting nasty out there," he said, coming into the room and flopping on the couch.
"Always does this time of year..." Hahli replied, smiling at her closefriend. The troubled look in her blue eyes as she spoke didn't escape Jaller as he sighed, trying to think of what to say. Hahli was surreptitiously watching him, his actions only adding to her fears. She was curled up in a squashy armchair, idly doodling flowers and vines and weird swirly patterns over a scrap piece of paper while she tried to organise her thoughts into some form of coherency. Eventually she looked over at Jaller, deciding to voice her worries.
"Hey Jaller," she began hesitantly. The Captain of the Guards glanced up morosely.
"Yeah?"
"Um...look, weird question...have you noticed anything...odd...about the Turaga lately?"
"How do you mean?" Jaller asked carefully, trying to keep his voice level.
"Well...uh...I don't know really, it's just...well they've been so tired lately. Nixie and I were talking to Nokama at the observatory yesterday and she was so tired she could barely stand, Nix and I practically carried her home," Hahli paused for breath. "And...some of the things they've said and done lately. It's like...well it's almost like they don't expect to be around for much longer and are.. preparing I guess you'd say,"
Jaller just stared at her with a stricken expression, unable to speak while Hahli's eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth in horror.
"No...no,no,nono, I know that look...don't you dare tell me I'm right Jaller,"
"I'm sorry...Vakama just told me himself, I..." Jaller broke off, staring up at the ceiling and blinking back tears. When he looked back at Hahli it was to see tears starting to trickle down her Kau-kau as she tried not to cry.
Scrambling up from the couch Jaller rushed to his closefriends' side and hugged her as she began shivering.
Leading Hahli back to the couch as the tears dripped down her mask unchecked, Jaller found his own was growing damp and as they sat on the couch gently rocked Hahli as she lent against him.

~*~

"Rahaga Gaaki, the Island's coming into sight." a soft whisper and gentle shake roused the blue Rahaga and stretching she followed Keahi on deck.
Macku grinned as they appeared and went to join Reshana and Ferinus at the bow as they watched, the sea mists began clearing to reveal the Island of Mata Nui.
"It's amazing, thank you for waking me." Gaaki said, hugging her pale friend, turning slightly pink Keahi blushed then mumbled something about having to fix breakfast.

A shout came from the other boat, "Hey water-sis." Sheranu called as he and the others waved, waving back Reshana giggled as Ferinus poked her in the ribs.
"Where's Hakinu?" Tein'a called as the boats drew along side, "Still below." Ferinus grinned before yelping as he was jumped on by his fiery brother.
Watching with interest from their vantage point, Pouks and Macku laughed while she carefully positioned their boat in Macku’s wake as she steered towards Ga-wahi.

Gaaki and Reshana watched as Hakinu and Ferinus wrestled, snickering at the brothers antics, "Come on let's get breakfast." the indigo hued Toa giggled, while cheering can from the stern of the other boat as their brothers watched the action.

"While you be joining us, Resha?" Keahi asked, while listening to the commotion on deck when Gaaki and Reshana entered the galley joining the scarred Matoran and Bomonga, "Where to?" the Toa of Water asked helping herself to some food.
"Somewhere I want to show Gaaki." Keahi whispered, blushing again when Bomonga winked at her while Reshana sat beside the blue Rahaga.
"Sounds interesting, I'd love to." she replied, then everyone glanced around as Pouks's voice drifted down from above deck, "Call it a draw and go and eat."
Chuckles and snickering heralded the brothers entrance into the galley as they were followed by Pouks, who winked at Gaaki making her blush while he gathered some food to take up on deck to Macku.

~*~

Gali stretched, glancing around the room then sat up to peer out the windows, "Oh good it's going to stay dry." she murmured, getting up and tugging her blankets straight.
"Wait for us, sis." Aikane whispered as she and Anuenue sat up grinning, "How long have you been awake?" Gali silently laughed as they quietly left the bedroom.
Before heading outside the Toa and Turaga took some food and water canisters then went to see if Nokama was up yet.
Sitting on the bench outside her home, Nokama smiled, hiding her sadness, as Gali, Aikane and Anuenue joined her, "What I want to do, with Gali's help, is show you a part of the reef." the Turaga of Water said as everyone started in the direction of the nearest beach.

…

By the time they’d reached the beach, the suns had taken the chill out the air and they could hear the faint sounds of Matoran heading to work. “This’ll be fun.” Aikane murmured as she switched to her Kaukau Nuva and they began wading into the sea, shivering in the cold water.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Pausing to get their bearings, the Toa and Turaga gazed around the area, then Nokama pointed out where the reef was and they started towards it.
“Sisters where are you?" Amaya’s puzzled voice reached Aikane, Gali and Anuenue as the reef came into sight, Anuenue was about to reply when several seahorses bobbed into sight and she yelped happily. "Sorry ‘Maya, Gali, Anuenue and I are with Turaga Nokama. She wanted to show Anuenue around part of the reef." the violet hued Toa laughed, watching as the Turaga of Colour held a hand out and watched as the nearest seahorse wrapped it’s tail around her fingers and examined those who’d come into it’s watery realm.

"Well don’t get too cold, we’ll be waiting." Amaya replied chuckling, Aikane passed on what their rainbow hued sister had said, then everyone glanced around, feeling a strange vibration flowing through the water.
"That sounds like…" Gali murmured, then her eyes grew round as she saw several familiar shapes appear in the distance swimming towards them. "The Sasilvia?" Anuenue exclaimed, excitedly hugging Nokama who look intrigued.
When the serpentine rahi reached them, they circled the watching Toa and Turaga, calling to their pod mates then one moved closer to brush against Gali in greeting.
Several smaller ones blew streams of tiny bubbles at Gali and the others, tickling them, then the one who’d brushed against the blue hued Toa swam under them and gave a low grunt. "I think she wants us to catch hold." Gali called out, catching Nokama’s arm and guiding her onto Corail’s back.
When the rahi were satisfied they were holding on tightly, another rumble ran through the pod, then the Sasilvia on which Gali, Aikane, Nokama and Anuenue sat started off in the opposite direction to the reef.

While they travelled, Gali patted Nokama’s shoulder as the Turaga of Water lent against her, "Anuenue, can you switch to your Rau? Nokama fallen asleep." the blue hued Toa enquired, glancing around wondering where they were going.
"Ok, you know I didn’t think we meet them again." the Turaga of Colour replied, chuckling as she switched to and activated her Rau, "…think it’ll surprise them?" one of the Sasilvia warbled to the one Anuenue and her sisters rode on. Corail glanced back at her intrigued passengers, "Yes, it certainly will." Those in the pod then ‘listened’ to the rainbow coloured wise one as she relayed what had been said to the pod.

…

Nokama woke with a start and glanced around, momentarily disorientated, as Gali held her steady. The area they’d been carried to was ablaze with corals of every colour imaginable and teemed with fish.
"Oh it’s…it’s." the Turaga of Colour exclaimed telepathically, unaware that her Rau was still activated; the Sasilvia nearest Corail blew a fine stream of bubbles in amusement. "It’s where we like to come and sing." Her warbling reply startled the Toa and Turaga, "We heard your silent conversation and came to see you." a third added, watching as several seahorses came over and hovered around the serpentine rahi before moving closer to examine the Toa and Turaga.
"It’s warmer than expected." Aikane commented as a gold and red seahorse wrapped it’s tail firmly around her arm as it bobbed in the current, "We travelled far and fast." Corail commented and then she offered to take them up to the surface for a look around.

"Yes please, that would be lovely." Gali replied, still gazing around the area while Anuenue giggled as several multi-coloured seahorses and fish swam around her and Aikane.
Nokama was still peering around, "It's beautiful." she murmured, unaware that everyone was waiting to find out if she wanted to see what lay on the surface.

Several minutes later the pod headed upwards, warbling to each other as they moved towards the growing circle of daylight, Toa and Turaga laughing in delight.

Bobbing on the surface of the sea in the midday sunlight the leader of the Sasilvia spread her frill to its fullest warbling joyfully with the rest of the pod as the Toa and Turaga gazed around murmuring in amazement.
The pod had surfaced in the middle of a lagoon surrounded by more brightly coloured corals, while the song reverberated around them, the leader swam closer to some of the corals and watched as her passengers lent forward to have a closer look.
"I wonder if there's any broken bits on the seafloor." Nokama mused, lightly brushing her fingers over a feathery pattern on a large flat coral.
"It's possible." Gali replied watching the other Sasilvia as they rolled around, constantly moving and blowing bubbles.
"We're not usually this still." the leader said in response to Gali's question and nodded when she asked if they could look for broken coral.
Aikane slipped from the leaders back and to the Sasilvia's amusement she swam over to and climbed onto a wide piece of coral, "Sister what are you doing?" Anuenue called as everyone watched the violet Toa slowly turn in a circle.
"Just wondered if I could reach Amaya, but we're too far away." Aikane replied before diving back into the water and returning to her sisters and the Sasilvia.
When she'd settled on the leaders back and had assured her that she was ready, the leader warbled to the pod and all dived back down towards the seabed.
Several of the Sasilvia watched as the blue Toa slipped from their leaders' back and carefully picked up several pieces of coral which she carried back to Nokama.
"We should return to your home, the blue wise one is growing tired." one of the other Sasilvia warbled, his frill glowing in hues of copper and orange as he glanced at Aikane and Anuenue.
The pod swam around them as Gali resumed her position on the leaders' back and let Nokama rest against her, "We're ready." Anuenue called to their host and she led the back the way they'd come, speeding through the water.

~*~

Standing on the beach where her sisters had entered the water, Amaya stood with Ahonui watching for signs of them surfacing.
"Still no reply?" the violet and light gold Matoran asked while passing the rainbow hued Toa a steaming mug, "Not yet, I'll try again shortly." she murmured after thanking him for the drink.
They moved back up the shingle a bit and sat on a couple of rocks near where Amaya had placed some towels and supplies and watched the waves lapping against the shore.

"I'm glad it stayed dry for them." Ahonui commented, wondering how Turaga Nokama was doing, Amaya snorted nearly choking on her drink, “Would it have mattered if it had rained?” she laughed as Ahonui looked up in surprise then blinked and groaned. "I can’t believe I just said that!" he chuckled as his rainbow hued friend giggled until she’d run out of breath.

"You having fun, sis?" Aikane’s voice reached Amaya as she shifted closer to Ahonui, glancing around, the Toa of Colour scanned the water. "How close are you?" she called back, then listened in amazement as an echoing discussion reached her. "Roughly half an hour away." Anuenue replied, laughter in her voice.

…

As the Sasilvia reached the reef where they’d found the Toa and Turaga, Corail paused to let them float from her back, watching as Gali assisted the sleepy blue Turaga. "I hope you liked the trip." she warbled, flicking her tail as her gold and amber frill shimmered in the water-filtered sunlight.
"It was amazing, thank you so much." the Toa and Turaga replied managing to bow to their host, they then watched as the Sasilvia swam away quickly blending into the distance. Slowly they then headed for the surface, Gali aiding Nokama as she yawned and smiled at her friend.

"Look there they are." Ahonui exclaimed, nudging Amaya, who’d been distracted by several of the Sasilvia surfacing briefly before diving. The Toa of Colour laughed and quickly headed to the waters edge, catching up several towels as she went to greet her sisters while Ahonui grabbed the thermos and some mugs.
"Oh it’s cold." Anuenue murmured gratefully rubbing a towel over her arms while the others did likewise, their teeth chattering in the chill breeze. While they dried off, Aikane told Amaya and Ahonui what they’d seen, "Wow sounds amazing." the violet/light gold Matoran grinned as Gali and Aikane helped him and Amaya gather up the spare items they’d brought with them.

Turaga Nokama and Anuenue followed their sisters and friend, who were still chatting about the trip, "I wish I’d seen these corals before. The varieties are completely new to me." Nokama paused and glanced at her rainbow hued sister, Anuenue nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean, they are amazingly beautiful."
The Turaga of Colour then chuckled, "Want me to help with the bits Gali collected for you?2 Nokama smiled, "We’ll see, there might not be enough time what with other things." Anuenue nodded not seeing the sad expression in Nokama’s eyes. "Okay sis, now let’s get you home, you’re nearly asleep on your feet." she added as Nokama blushed as she yawned loudly.

Noticing that the Turaga of Water was trying not to stumble as Anuenue supported her, Amaya passed the towels to Gali then hurried to assist Anuenue with their drowsy sister, gently lifting her up.
"We’re nearly there, Turaga." Ahonui murmured when Anuenue and Amaya caught up with him and the other Toa, "Don’t worry Nokama, a good nights sleep will help you." Gali smiled when the blue hued Turaga sleepily protested that she’d make it home before yawning again and falling deeply asleep.

~*~

As the Toa, Turaga and Ahonui reached the main square they were met by Nireta, "Wow, looks like Turaga Nokama enjoyed herself." She murmured, falling into step beside Ahonui
While the violet and light gold Matoran told his closefriend what the Toa and Turaga had seen Amaya and Anuenue headed to Nokama's and Gali and Aikane went to hang the damp towels up to air.
"Le-metru next." Amaya whispered, grinning as she placed Turaga Nokama onto her bed and Anuenue covered their sister with some blankets.
"Wonder what Lewa and Kokua have been up to?" the rainbow hued Toa giggled while they tiptoed from Nokama's bedroom.

"Well I'm guessing it involved plenty of laughter and tickle-poking." Anuenue chuckled as they left Nokama's home and met up with Aikane and Gali, who were stifling their own mirth as Nireta pulled Ahonui in the direction of her home, the violet and light gold Matoran blushing deeply.
"So shall we take the chute of use our Miru?" Amaya enquired when everyone finished laughing, the Turaga of Colour snickered, "Well which ever way we go someone is bound to pull a prank on us. So... why not use your Kakama for a change?"

Aikane, Gali and Amaya looked surprised then glanced at each other, grins spreading across their masks, "Sister that sounds like something a Le-matoran would dream up." Aikane laughed while switching to her Kakama, as Gali and Amaya did like wise.
"Think we'll give them a surprise?" Amaya chortled while helping Turaga Anuenue onto Aikane's back, "Might do. Hey sis, where abouts are they?" the rainbow hued Turaga enquired when she'd settled, arms wrapped firmly around her violet sisters' neck.

Aikane glanced briefly in the direction of Le-metru then laughed, "They're racing with the phase dragon over and around the Moto-hub and Turaga Matau's in his garden, dozing on a bench while Houjin's about to attempt to play a trick on him."
The Toa and Turaga snickered as they started for Le-metru.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Pausing to catch her breath, Kokua giggled as the phase dragon followed Lewa into a series of looping spirals, climbing into the wintry sky.
When they'd soared out of sight, the Torahka shivered as a chill breeze sprang up so she decided to go and visit Turaga Matau.
While soaring towards the main square Kokua was delighted to see blurs of violet, rainbow flecked silver and blue also heading in the same direction as her.

...

Watching Houjin through barely opened eyes, Turaga Matau stayed motionless, feigning sleep as the mint and dark green Matoran snickered.
Un-noticed by the Matoran, Matau slowly shifted his Kaukau staff so that it slid between Houjin's feet and as he was about to start painting things on the Turaga of Air's mask, Matau sat up shouting "Boo!"
Houjin yelped, stumbled back, tripping over the Turaga's staff, and as he fell the pot of paint flew up in the air then cmae down and landed neatly on his mask.
While the green Turaga laughed and Houjin grinned sheepishly as he removed the paint pot, Kongu came to see what was happening, "Come on kohlii head." he laughed, giving his paint covered friend a hand up.

Kokua, as she caught sight of Kongu pulling Houjin towards the gate, giggled helplessly while hovering above the roof of Lewa's home.
The mint and dark green Matoran attempting to get some of the paint on him off and onto Kongu, when they had left and Matau picked up his staff, the Torahka moved from her vantage point and fluttered down to the ground.
"I heard your giggles." Turaga Matau chuckled as Kokua walked over to join him, the hybrid laughed, "The look on Houjin's mask was priceless."

Sitting beside the Turaga of Air, Kokua told him what she'd seen on the way over, "Oh good, I've got something to show her." Matau grinned.
"Your secret project with Ferinus?" Kokua giggled, resting her arm around her elder brother, "The very same. It's grown-sprouted really well." he replied, enjoying the warmth of Kokua's wing around him.

Roughly fifteen minutes later Vira led Aikane, Gali, Amaya and Turaga Anuenue into the garden, "Hiya feather sis, how did Houjin do with his prank?" Aikane asked while Anuenue thanked Vira and asked if he'd watch for Lewa returning.
Bowing, the green Matoran grinned cheekily and hurried off, "Brother, you've got visitors." a soft murmur broke into Matau's nap and he drowsily rubbed his eyes before chuckling,
"Sorry didn't mean to sleep-doze."
"That's alright Matau." Gali replied while scanning the sky for signs of Lewa and the phase dragon.
Turaga Matau glanced at his rainbow hued sister while she lent against Kokua and asked what her winged sister had been doing.
"Oh my colourbright sister, I've no idea what to say." he thought sadly, then grinned as she smiled at him.

"I have something to show-reveal to you tomorrow sister." the green Turaga chuckled as he stood up and offered her his arm. Intrigued and slightly wary, Anuenue linked arms with her mischievous brother and with the Toa and Torahka following let him lead her into his home.

Lomako grinned when they entered Matau’s' living room as he finished setting dishes of food out then placed a large jug of fruit juice on the table before bowing and left to join Vira.
"His cooking is excellent." Amaya commented while everyone helped themselves to various things, "Think Lewa will turn up before we finish?" Kokua giggled, passing a loaded plate to Turaga Matau.

Before he could reply everyone glanced around as they heard Vira and Lomako yelp and a clatter as something hit the floor.
"He's back!" Aikane snickered while they watched the door, "Hey, starting without me?" the lanky green Toa commented as he bounded into the room and crashed onto the seat beside Kokua.
The hybrid laughing protested as her closefriend began pinching her tea, she then poked him in the ribs until he ceased attacking her plate and filled one of his own.
"Aw, sweet." Gali silently laughed, as when he thought they couldn't see, the Toa of Air was surreptitiously adding choice morsels to Kokua's plate.

…

Having finished eating, Lewa insisted on taking the empty dishes through to the kitchen, Gali and Amaya seeing the mischievous glint in his eye insisted on helping him.
As they left the room, Turaga Matau yawned, "Sorry-pardon." he murmured chuckling, "Think-guess I need an early night." Anuenue smiled, "I'll tuck you in sleepy head." she said, moving to where he sat and helped her green hued brother up.
Watching the Turaga as Anuenue led Matau out the room, "You have any idea what Matau wants to show Anuenue?" Aikane asked curiously as Kokua lent back in the chair and sipped her drink.
"Oh yes, it's something he and Ferinus have been working on for a while." the Torahka smiled, putting her mug down and stretching languidly while stifling a yawn.

Leaning against the doorway leading to the kitchen, Lewa smiled watching his closefriend as she yawned again.
"Oy, quit blocking the door!" Gali muttered, poking her lanky brother firmly in the ribs, the Air Toa chuckled and moved to allow his sisters pass before following them back to the seats then sat with Kokua, who snuggled closer to him her eyes slowly closing.
"Come on feather-sis. You need sleep-rest." Lewa whispered, trying not to blush as Aikane, Gali and Amaya stifled their giggles.
"Mmmm? Oh ok, you tuck me in?" the hybrid murmured sleepily, her arms creeping around her closefriends' neck.
Their sisters smiled as Lewa, now crimson, coaxed Kokua into getting up and led her out the living room then quietly chatted about what Matau wanted to show Anuenue.


Entering Matau's bedroom, Anuenue helped her nearly asleep brother onto his bed and gently covered him with the blankets.
"May your star shine-glow brightly." the Turaga of Air mumbled as he drifted into dreamless sleep. Anuenue wondered what he'd meant then quietly sat on the nearest bed, "Aikane, I'm going to settle for the night, sleep well." "You too sister, Lewa and Kokua have headed off to his and we'll see you tomorrow." came her violet hued sisters' response, then Anuenue smiled as Gali and Amaya wished her pleasant dreams.
"You too." the Turaga of Colour replied drowsily, burrowing under the blankets and getting comfortable her eyes closing as she relaxed.

Peering into Matau's bedroom, Aikane smiled and rejoined Gali and Amaya, "They're sound asleep." she said while they left Matau's and headed for their brothers' home.
"I feel I should go to the Great Temple." Aikane absently replied when Amaya asked what she was thinking about, "We could head over there tomorrow." Gali replied as they entered Lewa's.

The lanky green Toa was just coming out his bedroom and blushed when he saw them, "I... Er wasn't expecting you so soon." he stammered, his Miru now scarlet.
"Oh Lewa." Aikane giggled, hugging their flustered brother after peering into his bedroom where Kokua slept, "Let's sit in your living room for a while." Gali softly chuckled, smiling at their rainbow hued sister as she suggested they should have something to drink and put Lewa at ease.

It was the middle of the night when those staying at Lewa's decided to head for bed, the Toa of Air waited until his sisters had fallen asleep then silently entered his room.
Carefully Lewa sat on the end of his bed and watched his closefriend, the Torahka was curled up, her wings partially open and twitching as she slept.
Yawning, the green Toa stood up and fetched some spare blankets then settled on the couch nearby watching Kokua until he fell asleep.

…

As the suns rose over Le-metru the gukko birds began chirruping amongst themselves and they preened.
In Matau's home, Anuenue stretched then sat up rubbing her eyes before peering over to where Matau slept, quietly she then left her brothers' bedroom to get something to eat.
"Mmm, that was a much needed sleep-rest." Matau muttered stretching, unaware that his rainbow hued sister had returned to the room with a tray and just placed it on her bed.
"It was indeed." a soft chuckled made Matau sit up in surprise as Anuenue carried over two bowls of fruit and perched on the edge of his bed.

While the Turaga ate, they swapped jokes and silly stories then when they'd finished Matau insisted on returning the tray to the kitchen seeing as Anuenue had brought it in.
"Yeah and now that it's lighter too." the Turaga of Colour snickered as her green hued brother attempted to look innocent and failed while placing his bowl onto the tray.

After he'd taken the tray back to the kitchen, Matau rejoined Anuenue as she peered out the nearest window.
"Come on colour-sis, you'll like this." the green Turaga said taking her hand as he started for the door.
Intrigued, the Turaga of Colour asked if they should wait for the others while she and Matau headed across the main square.
"I want you to be the first to look-see." Turaga Matau chuckled, waving to the few Matoran who were awake and heading off to work.

"It's something Ferinus and I have been working on for a while." Matau finally said, after his rainbow hued sister had spent several minutes changing his colours and sniggering at the expressions her brother pulled.
The Turaga of Colour smiled, switched Matau's colours back to normal and hugged her laughing brother, "Thank you." they said simultaneously then laughed even harder, leaning against each other as they shook.
"Come on colourbright sis. It's not far." Matau said when they'd regained their breath while tugging her hand.
The green hued Turaga then led his rainbow hued sister down a lane towards several greenhouses.

"Close-shut your eyes and don't peek-look." he said, his own eyes dancing with mirth as Anuenue glanced around curiously, before raising an eyebrow and grinning back at him.
"Alright brother mine, lead on." she replied smiling and closing her eyes, while thinking about what colours she would change him to if he played a trick.

Watching as the Turaga of Colour stood waiting, Matau shook his head sadly then took his colourbright sisters' arm and carefully guided her toward the nearest greenhouse.
"There are a couple of steps going low-down." Anuenue heard Matau say after he'd closed the door behind them then both Turaga walked a few paces.

Tentatively the Turaga of Colour felt her way down the steps while her brother held her arm firmly, "This way, not far to go-walk now." Matau said, a chuckle in his voice, Anuenue smile and let the Turaga of Air guide her towards the nearest bench was and smiled at Kaike as she looked up in surprise.
"Please have a seat Turaga." the Matoran's soft voice broke the quiet as she took Anuenue's arm when Matau let go and led her over to the bench.
"Have you been helping Matau and Ferinus?" the Turaga of Colour asked while settling on the bench, Kaike glanced at Anuenue, who still had her eyes closed then murmured, "I've been using part of this greenhouse for some fruit propagation."

She then watched Turaga Matau as he used his Matatu to manoeuvre a large potted tree into position before her and Turaga Anuenue, Kaike looked a bit concerned when the Air Turaga swayed slightly then steadied himself and winked at her.
"You can look-see now sister." Matau said calmly, glad that she hadn't seen what had just happened and waited to see what she'd think.
Opening her eyes, Anuenue blinked as she glanced around smiled at Kaike then looked at the plant Matau had brought her to see.
The Turaga of Colour stood up and moved closer, admiring the slender sapling then peered curiously at the seed pods, recognition slowly dawning in her eyes.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Matau looked puzzled at the delight growing in his sisters' eyes as she gently examined a fallen seedpod.
"Have you tried anything with the seeds?" Anuenue asked, glancing up from where she'd crouched for a better look.
"Yes, they make a nice-tasty drink when ground down. Why?" the Air Turaga asked curiously having joined Kaike on the bench, Anuenue stood up then smiled, "There's a plant in the world where I came from called the ca-cao tree. Its seeds are used to make chocolate."

Her usually talkative brother stared at Anuenue in stunned amazement, his mouth hanging open then he began laughing, “That's amaze-surprising!"
Holding the seed pod she'd picked up, the Turaga of Colour ran her fingers over its' ridged casing, "I sometimes get the feeling that either the Great Spirit or maybe the Great Beings have an interesting sense of humour." Anuenue laughed, sitting beside her brother and Kaike, who giggled at the Turaga's comment.

Mind if I try some? Just to be sure." the Turaga of Colour asked when Matau had finished laughing and Kaike had excused herself when Tahchi appeared, grinning broadly as his closefriend blushed.
"Of course, the other ones are this way-direction." Matau replied, as he gestured to part of the greenhouse.
While they walked through the young plants, the Air Turaga pointed out various specimens and fruits, "Incredible. How many are here?" the rainbow hued Turaga murmured, stunned by the small forest she could see.
"Thirty. They grow-sprout well." her green hued brother chuckled before he headed over to a shed, "This is where Ferinus, Tamaru and I have been experiment-working with the cho-co-late seeds."

Anuenue giggled as Matau stumbled over the word, then hugged him, "I like the way you pronounce it." she explained as he still looked puzzled.
"You still got-hold the seed pod?" he chuckled, fighting the yawn, which threatened to come out, "Yup, after seeing pictures of them it's interesting to hold one." Anuenue replied, taking it out and passing it to him.
"It'll need several days to dry-split." the Turaga of Air explained, placing the seed pod with several others and then removing a split one, "We've been experiment-playing with every second pod while sow-planting the others."

Matau then removed the seeds and put them into a small grinder, setting a bowl at one end.
"I wish we'd started work-experimenting earlier, then I could have had more time to enjoy the end-result." Anuenue heard Matau mutter absently while the machine reduced the seeds to a fine powder.
Glancing at him, she felt a small prickle of worry about several things she'd heard her fellow Turaga say.
Before Anuenue could ask what he'd meant, the green hued Turaga had picked up the bowl and measured the contents into a couple of mugs, "Hot or cold? It's nice-tasty with milk." he enquired, passing one of the mugs to Anuenue, she glanced at the dried powder in the mug then dampened a finger and dipped it in the powder before tasting it.
"Hot would be fantastic please." Anuenue replied, smiling broadly while glancing at a patch of herbs nearby.
Setting her mug down, the Turaga of Colour walked over to the patch then picked some leaves from one plant.
"This chopped up finely will give the chocolate a lovely taste." she explained, giggling at her brothers' puzzled expression as the minty smell brightened the air around them.
About to pick her mug up again the rainbow hued Turaga steadied her brother when he nearly stumbled as he yawned.

"Easy brother, I can get the mugs later." Anuenue said when Matau drowsily protested that she'd left them behind while trying to keep him steady.
Seeing her having difficulty, Piruk hurried over to help the Turaga of Colour support the nearly asleep Air Turaga.
Between them Anuenue and Piruk managed to get Matau back to his home before he fell asleep and settled the green hued Turaga on his bed.
"I'd better get those mugs or Matau will never let me hear the end of it." the rainbow hued Turaga murmured, watching her brother as he mumbled in his sleep.
"I'll get-fetch them for you." Piruk replied then before she could reply had raced off, Anuenue smiled then glanced back at where Matau slept, "Enjoy your chocolate when you wake." she whispered before leaving the bedroom.
"Sister what have you and the others been doing?" Anuenue called to Aikane as she entered the kitchen and looked around for a few minutes while listening to Aikane's reply.
"Gali went with Kokua to Ko-metru and Amaya and I are with Solis in Ga-metru. I'm going over to the great Temple for a while."
"And Lewa?" the Turaga of Colour enquired while placing a pan over a heatstone to warm some milk.
"Last seen putting the phase dragon through his paces." came the amused reply as Piruk re-entered Matau's home and joined Anuenue in the kitchen.
"Thank you Piruk, would you like some?" the rainbow hued Turaga asked, while pouring the milk into her mug then placing the pan in the sink before chopping the leaves she'd picked.
"Yes please, it's nice-tasty." Piruk replied, watching fascinated as Anuenue split the finely chopped leaves into two piles before adding one to her mug.

Chuckling, the Turaga of Colour took out another mug and tipped half the contents of hers into it before taking a sip of what remained in hers.
Several minutes passed as Turaga and Matoran went and sat in the living room, then she sighed happily setting the empty mug on the table.
"Never thought I'd taste this again." Anuenue murmured, leaning back in the chair, a delighted gleam in her eyes.
Piruk smiled, "I'll tell Turaga Matau when he wake-rouses." the mid green Matoran then insisted on accompanying the rainbow hued Turaga to the chute station.

“Look Turaga, your namesake.” Piruk laughed as a rainbow soared across part of the sky, growing brighter as they reached the main Le-metru chute station. The Turaga glanced up and laughed delightedly, noticing a couple of specks growing larger, “And here comes Lewa and the phase dragon.” She replied, shifting to the shelter of the station eaves and the rain started.
The pair went into a dizzying spiral then the phase dragon shot off towards the east while the lanky green Toa shot towards where the Turaga and several Matoran watched.

“A bit soggy-wet eh, colour-sis?” Lewa grinned after landing so close that several of those watching jumped. “Indeed.” she chuckled, brushing some water from her robe before accepting her grinning brother’s offer of a lift to Ko-metru.
“Please let Matau know I had a great time.” The Turaga of Colour said, giving Piruk a hug, the Matoran promptly turned crimson, to the delight of their friends, before she settled her arms round Lewa’s neck.
He bowed then watched as Toa and Turaga took off and after circling round, headed in the direction of Ko-metru.
"Our colourbright Turaga puts a herb-plant in that new drink and it tastes amazing!" he told the others as they started back towards the main square.

~*~

Soaring through the chilly air, Anuenue laughed as Lewa went through a series of twists and turns as they headed across Le-metru. When he levelled out he shyly told the rainbow hued Turaga what he planned to give Kokua as her midwinter festival gift.
“Oh bro, that sounds really pretty.” Anuenue said as the icy edge of Ko-metru came into sight, Lewa felt a shiver of anticipation run through his sister as they crossed into the icy district and chuckled softly in reply.
Several Ko-matoran glanced up as the Toa of Air’s shadow passed overhead, then returned to their work, those with closefriends smiling briefly.

“It’s nice to get away from the rain for a while.” Anuenue called out as Lewa zipped round the first of the knowledge towers. Before he could reply a delighted musical laugh reached them and Kokua rose up to join them, then before either Turaga and Torahka could greet each other, Lewa turned bright red, which caused Kokua to do likewise and start giggling helplessly.
Anuenue smiled at her sister’s amusement and then asked Gali what Nuju had been doing. "Mostly going over things with Matoro. I’ve been talking with Kopaka about what the Rahaga and Toa Voya could be doing." the Water Toa replied before adding that she’d also been watching the ice sculpting for the midwinter celebrations.
"I can’t wait to see Kokua’s face when Lewa gives her his gift." the Turaga of Colour replied as the main Ko-metru square came into sight, then she, Lewa and Kokua spotted Gali and Kopaka waving to them.

"Turaga, Lewa and Turaga Anuenue have arrived." Matoro said, gently shaking the sleeping Turaga’s arm until her roused and blinked sleepily at his aide, "Thank you old friend." Nuju clicked softly before getting up from his chair and stretching. Matoro blinked in surprise at what the Turaga of Ice had just said then bowed and followed Turaga Nuju as he made his way outside.
"Oh dear heart." Nuju thought, years of discipline keeping the pain he felt hidden while he and Matoro watched as the Turaga of Colour laughed when, after Lewa had set her down, Kokua had managed to stuff handfulls of snow behind her closefriend’s mask.
As the Toa of Airchased his giggling closefirend around the square, Anuenue glanced towards Nuju’s home and as Gali joined her, her dark aquamarine eyes glowed with joy on seeing her closefriend.

Kopaka sighed, wondering if his brother and sister would ever calm down as Lewa managed to trip Kokua up and they rolled in the snow tickling each other. "Don’t worry brother, they’ll stop shortly." the rainbow hued Turaga murmured before she left him and Gali on the bench and moved to join the Turaga of Ice.

As the suns broke through the clouds and lit up the metru, Anuenue reached her closefriend and they gazed at each other, oblivious to all around them. Their brother and sister watched the Turaga then with Matoro’s help pelted Lewa and Kokua with snowballs until they sat up spluttering.

"Come and thaw out." The icy Toa said, helping Kokua up while Lewa brushed snow from his armour. After thanking her icy brother, Kokua started brushing her feathers clean of snow while watching her rainbow hued sister and she and Nuju walked in the direction of the tallest knowledge tower. "I wonder what he’ll show Anuenue." Gali commented as she helped Kokua with the areas of her wings that she couldn’t reach, "Turaga Nuju didn’t say." Kopaka replied, watching the pair until they were out of sight before he and the others went to his home.

It was midafternoon when Nuju and Anuenue reached the knowledge tower and went inside where they were greeted by Kopeke and Luhi.
”We’ve got everything ready as you asked, Turaga.” Kopeke said as he and Luhi led the Turaga over to the lift. Anuenue glanced at her closefriend while he watched the view as the lift ascended to the observatory, "He looks exhausted." she thought, concerned that Nuju had been working too hard.
Noticing his closefriend’s anxious expression as he stifled a yawn, the icy Turaga smiled reassuringly. "I too will have to drop a hint. But what to say?" he wondered as the rainbow hued Turaga smiled back, a faint blush covering her mask.

When the lift stopped and the doors opened, the Turaga left and thanked their escort as they bowed as the doors closed. "This way dear heart." Nuju whistled taking Anuenue’s hand, and as he started towards the observatory expalined what he’d brought her to see. "Several of the astronomers worked out the best time to see it was around midnight." Nuju finished explaining then hastily stifled an unexpected yawn.
"So we can get some rest before then and hope that the sky clears." Anuenue smiled, delighted by the thought of the upcoming astral display as she settled beside her closefriend.
"Indeed, it’s such a rare occurrence that anyone who sees it twice is very lucky." the icy Turaga replied leaning back on the couch and closing his eyes.
Anuenue smiled and as Nuju fell asleep, she placed a blanket over him before getting comfortable and dozed off, her head resting on her closefriend’s shoulders.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Waking first, the Turaga of Ice looked mournfully at his closefriend for several minutes then gently shook her until she roused.
“Mmmm…is it nearly time?” Anuenue murmured as she stretched, Nuju glanced over to the clock on the wall then nodded, “Half an hour to go.” he replied. “Is this the first time you’ve seen it?” the rainbow hued Turaga enquired as they sipped the hot drinks Nuju poured for them. Nuju paused then shook his head, “No, this will be the second time.” he quietly replied, “Oh.” Anuenue murmured sipping her drink.

A few minutes passed then she added, “I wish I’d been with you the first time.” chuckling gently, the Turaga of Ice set his empty mug down then as his closefriend joined him, he smiled and led her through to the observation room.
“It’s an amazing view.” Anuenue commented, her eyes gazing up at the clearing skies, “Indeed.” Nuju replied, watching the clouds above the dome blowing away towards the sea.

Sitting on the couch, the Turaga dimmed the lightstones allowing their eyes to adjust to the darkness, “Hang on.” Nuju murmured when he felt Anuenue begin to shiver, using his Matatu to lift several blankets over to where they sat and wrapped her in them.
“Thank you…oh look!” the rainbow hued Turaga whispered, her gaze suddenly riveted on the skies above the dome as they began to shimmer with colour.

Slowly all the stars they could see grew brighter than Anuenue had ever seen before until the light from them cast shadows throughout the room. While she marvelled at the sight, the northern lights exploded in vibrant bursts of colour.

All over Metru Nui, those awake roused their friends and dragged them outside to watch.
The event lasted for most of the night and while the Turaga watched in wonder and delight, Nuju hugged Anuenue as he drifted into sleep. Hearing a soft snore, the rainbow hued Turaga smiled and shifted her sleeping closefriend so that his head rested on her lap. “Sleep well.” she whispered, gently brushing a hand over Nuju’s mask before gazing back up at the slowly fading display. A few minutes later, the Turaga of Colour was also deeply asleep, her arm resting over the icy Turaga’s shoulder.
All over Metru Nui, everyone returned to their homes quietly talking about what they’d seen.

...

As the early morning sunlight flowed across the observation dome, Anuenue stirred in her sleep a frown passing across her mask. Glancing up at his closefriend, Nuju watched as she muttered inaudibly then used his Matatu to lift her up so that he could get up then placed her back on the couch.

“I’m so sorry dear heart.” he whistled softly, gazing at his rainbow hued companion before turning to greet Kopeke and Talvi as they carried trays over to the table.
“It was incredible, Turaga.” Talvi replied when the Turaga of Ice asked if they’d seen the display. “I think the whole island saw the display.” Kopeke added as a yawn came from where Turaga Anuenue was just waking.
After stretching, the Turaga of Colour joined her closefriend and the Matoran for breakfast and they quietly chatted about what they’d seen.

~*~

In the other metru, the Turaga looked around their homes one last time before making their ways to the chute stations.
Vakama scratched Ryuu behind his ears, making the small Hikaki purr happily, before he joined Dume.
“Jaller said he’d look after Ryuu.” he said when Dume asked what would happen to the little fire lizard, the elder Turaga nodded then both entered the chute leading to Ko-metru.

~*~

Having finished their breakfast, the Turaga made their way from the knowledge tower and headed back towards the main square.

“The other Turaga will arrive soon.” Nuju suddenly whistled, startling Anuenue from her thoughts, blinking in surprise she asked why. “Something is coming to pass.” came the cryptic reply, which left the Turaga of Colour feeling even more confused and apprehensive.
Seeing her puzzlement, Nuju slipped his hand around hers and squeezed it gently.

Silently they walked on, Anuenue wondering what was going to happen, while Nuju wracked his brains for a way to drop a hint on what would happen that very day.
“I need to rest for a few minutes.” the Turaga of Ice whistled as they entered a small square adjacent to the main square and his home. After helping her closefriend over to the nearest bench, the Turaga of Colour offered him a water canister, “It was wonderful last night,” she murmured the blushed as she added, “Watching the stars with you always is.”
Nuju smiled, though he felt his heart would break at Anuenue’s loving words and hugged his closefriend tightly, she in turn hugged him back, her mask glowing while the air around them shimmered with pinpoints of colour.
“Let’s join the others.” the Turaga of Ice clicked softly after several minutes, somehow knowing that they didn’t have long left. “Of course, they’ll be wondering where we are.” Anuenue replied standing up and turning to give her closefriend a helping hand.

~*~

Turaga Dume and Vakama reached the Ko-metru main square, joining Nokama and Matau who were sitting on a bench; they glanced up and nodded as their brothers reached them.
Several Ko-matoran watched curiously before heading for the knowledge towers “Must be something special.” Matoro replied to Ehrye’s comment, his friend nodded and headed off while Matoro entered Kopaka’s home.

A few minutes later, Gali and Lewa left their icy brother’s home and came over to greet their friends, “How are you feeling today?” the Toa of Water enquired when they reached the benches where the Turaga sat just as Onewa and Whenua came into sight.
“We’re alright.” Nokama smiled at her friend as Matau nudged Lewa and shared a joke with him.
“Could you and Lewa go to Ga-metru and fetch the book I borrowed from Nuju please? I forgot to bring it with me.” Nokama asked when Nuju and Anuenue came into view, Gali smiled, “Of course we’ be delighted to.” she replied while Lewa grinned and agreed.
Watching as the Toa of Water and Air headed for the chute station, Matau glanced at his closefriend and gently squeezed her hand as she sighed.

Peering out of Kopaka’s, Kokua wondered where her sister and closefriend were going then left her icy brother’s home to greet her rainbow hued sister. “It was so beautiful last night.” the Torahka said when Onewa asked what she’d thought of the display.

After chatting for several minutes, the Turaga said that they were going into Nuju’s then they nodded to Kopaka as he joined Kokua, “Alright, I’m going round the metru for a while. Kokua would you like to come?” the icy Toa enquired, glancing over his shoulder at his winged sister.
“Thanks bro, but I’ll wait for Lewa.” she replied, blushing slightly when Anuenue winked at her as the Turaga headed for Nuju’s. Kopaka smiled briefly then headed in towards the south of the metru, pausing to speak with Luhi, Kazi and Matoro, who nodded and went to keep Kokua company.

While they’d been chatting, the Turaga had entered Nuju’s home and went into the living room, “Dear heart,” Nuju whistled softly, turning to Anuenue while their brothers and sister gathered around them and watched silently.
“Yes?” the Turaga of Colour replied, steadying her closefriend as he staggered slightly, “I wish I could stay with you. But I am so tired.” he whistled regretfully as he sat on a couch while the others moved to hug Anuenue before settling on the other couch and chairs.

~*~

Travelling through the chute heading for Ga-metru, Gali felt uneasy, “I don’t recall Turaga Nokama borrowing a book from Turaga Nuju.” she thought. As she continued, the Toa of Water sensed a ripple of anxiety coming from Anuenue about the other Turaga, alarmed by the intensity of what she’d just felt, Gali turned and placed her Aqua Axes on her feet before heading back, using her Kakama to go against the flow.

As the Toa of Water reached the Ko-metru chute station and scrambled from the chute, surprising the Matoran there, she heard her sister’s silent cry of grief. Pausing to put her Axes away, Gali watched Lewa, who’d been cornered by some Matoran, who wanted to talk about the upcoming midwinter festival.

~*~

Anuenue anxiously glanced round at the other Turaga as they settled in the chairs, Matau and Nokama holding hands, "Wh-what do you mean?" she asked, vaguely aware what was about to happen but unwilling to accept it.
"We have fulfilled our destinies." Dume replied softly, then he and the others glanced at Vakama who added, "It is time for us to rest."
The Turaga of Colour shivered, before moving to where Nuju sat, "Even you?" she whispered distraughtly, the Turaga of Ice nodded, then smiled kindly and took her hand.
Pulling his closefriend down beside him, Nuju watched as Anuenue nervously looked at round at her other brothers and sister, they had closed their eyes and seemed to have fallen asleep, then their heartlights dimmed, flickered and slowly went out.
Turning swiftly back to Nuju, the Turaga of Colour hugged him tightly, "Oh beloved." she whispered as he hugged her back, then Anuenue felt his grip loosen as his spirit entered into legend.

...

After carefully resting Nuju's body back in the chair and smoothing his robe, the Turaga of Colour bowed her head as tears began to form, then threw her head back and screamed her grief while the tears streamed unchecked down her mask.

~*~

Several Ko-matoran were chatting with Kokua and her friends in the main Ko-metru square when an unearthly wail suddenly came from Turaga Nuju's home, "Spirits, what's happening?" Luhi whispered as the Torahka jumped up, her face blanching before she raced across the square and into the Turaga of Ice's home, startled by Kokua's reaction, Luhi glanced at Kazi and Matoro.
"We'd better find Toa Kopaka." he muttered then jumped as the Toa Nuva of Ice slewed to a stop nearby and picked up his Ice-blades as he glanced over to the Turaga's home before quickly moving towards it.
"Call the other Toa Nuva." his voice reached the watching Matoran as he paused outside Nuju's home, as one they glanced at each other then raced in the direction of the chute station.

~*~

Entering the living room, Kokua gasped as she realized what had taken place then rushed to where Anuenue knelt, her body heaving with sobs as she keened, the Turaga of Colour’s hands gripped Nuju's Ice-pick so hard that her knuckles were white.
The Torahka reached out to touch her sister's arm then gently wrapped her arms and wings around the grieving Turaga, only glancing up when Kopaka entered the room.

"Ah!" he murmured, sorrowfully glancing at the still forms of the seven Turaga before joining Kokua and Anuenue, by now the Turaga of Colour had quietened slightly and was sobbing into Kokua's shoulder while the Torahka hugged her dull hued sister tightly.

Luhi, Kazi and Matoro had reached the chute station and were about to give Lewa the message, who was chatting with the twins they saw Gali come racing out the station and grab Lewa's arm, pulling him for several paces before he was able to ask what was happening.
"We're needed!" the Matoran heard the Toa of Water saying before the Toa Nuva raced out of sight.

[Kokua aviatrix]

In Ga-metru, Aikane, Solisha and Amaya were watching the butterfly flock, which were fluttering around; they were surprised when the ones who accompanied the Turaga suddenly landed on the wall close to the Toa of Twilight.
Slowly those butterflies wing colours dimmed while the rest of the flocks' colours shifted to brilliant white with blue sparks, Amaya peered at the dulled metallic green and sky blue flecked one puzzled, then glanced over to where Aikane stood, the violet hued Toa was gazing at the butterflies still in flight then blinked as some tears ran down her mask.
Wiping the tears away, Aikane was about to break the news the Great Spirit had given her when she and Amaya 'heard' Turaga Anuenue's silent cry of grief, "The Turaga!" Amaya exclaimed, moving to hug Aikane.
Unsure what to do Solisha coaxed the dull winged butterflies onto her arm then watched her sisters anxiously.

"What should we do?" the young Toa asked when her sisters wiped their masks dry, "Head for Ko-metru," Aikane whispered then sighed, "Anuenue will need us."
Quietly they started towards the chute station, on the way Amaya wondered about the butterflies on Solisha's arm, "We'll use our Miru," Aikane murmured softly, watching the dull hued butterflies as they clung tightly to Solisha, when her sisters glanced at their violet hued sister curiously she added, "They are meant to come."

~*~

Gali and Lewa entered Nuju's home and stopped, paling with shock as they realized their oldest friends had departed into legend, while they stood there Kopaka went to join them, "Turaga Nuju confided in me several days ago that they had been feeling tired for some time." he whispered while they rubbed their masks dry.
Kokua rocked Anuenue gently as the Turaga's sobs slowly faded to ragged hiccupping, then glanced over to her sister and brothers as she watched them, Lewa switched to his Komau then raised an eyebrow in silent enquiry, after Gali and Kopaka nodded the Toa of Air went and crouched beside his closefriend and sister.
"Anuenue, colour-sis?" Lewa whispered while Kokua watched anxiously, then when the Turaga of Colour didn't respond he reached out and gently tilted her mask up then as their eyes met Lewa activated his Komau and coaxed his sister into closing her eyes and having a nap.

While Lewa helped Kokua to lift their sleeping sister, the rest of the Toa Nuva entered and glanced around stunned by the knowledge that the Turaga of the Island of Mata Nui and Metru Nui had gone, "We should prepare things." Onua softly commented after several minutes before moving to lift Turaga Whenua's body up.
"Does any one know where Taka is?" Tahu asked while he gently gathered Turaga Vakama in his arms, Gali looked towards the door then smiled sadly as Aikane and Amaya entered Nuju's living room, "Oh Nokama." the Toa of Colour whispered while fresh tears ran down her mask.
Aikane silently went to where Turaga Dume's body sat and lifted him up before looking around for Anuenue, "We'd better take them over to the tower." Pohatu muttered as he straightened up and swallowed the lump in his throat.
Everyone nodded then slowly made their way from Nuju's, a quiet murmuring greeted them as the Toa Nuva, Aikane, Amaya and Kokua were joined by Solisha as they walked across the square.

"Can you fly-soar carrying someone like that." Lewa whispered as the Turaga of Colour began to stir, "I'm not sure, but we'll get there." Kokua replied then managed a smile for their sister as she opened her eyes and looked around at the Toa Nuva before burying her head against the Torahka's shoulder fighting not to cry.
"Please put me down." the Turaga of Colour whispered, her voice rough and tear filled, gently Kokua did as she'd been asked, then the Toa, Kokua and Matoran watched as Anuenue swayed slightly before walking over to where Kopaka stood, silently they gazed at each other for several minutes before the Turaga lowered her head and sighed.
Watching as the Toa Nuva and Aikane entered the chute for the coliseum, Amaya, Solisha and Kokua joined their sister as she lent against Nuju's Ice-pick.

…

"Sister where is your Colour staff?" Amaya asked while the Toa and Torahka headed over Ko-metru, "In Nuju's." the whispered reply came after several minutes as the tower came into sight, Kokua hugged their sister tighter as she felt her shiver and softly hummed.

~*~

Entering the coliseum, the Toa walked over to the tower, as they entered Hahli and Jaller came hurrying out from where the Chronicler worked, then skidded to a halt their masks blanching.
"Could you wait-watch for the other Toa, Kokua and Anuenue please?" Lewa quietly asked, the still shocked Matoran bowed then slowly left the building.
Aikane then led the Toa into the Turaga's bedroom and gently placed their friends bodies down before they met in the centre of the room and hugged, "Only one Turaga. Do you think Anuenue can manage?" Tahu asked as they departed from the room and pulled the door to.
Aikane looked pensive, "She's too choked up with grief at the moment." she softly replied, "Though we all are, I know what you mean."
"Six more would help her." Pohatu and Kopaka spoke simultaneously, then as the rest of the Toa Nuva glanced surprised at Kopaka he shrugged, "It's sensible." he added.

~*~

Waiting outside the tower, Hahli and Jaller hugged while brushing their tears away just as Kokua, Amaya and Solisha landed in the kohlii arena.
Watching as their winged friend set Turaga Anuenue down, the Chronicler and Captain bowed as they approached then wiped fresh tears from their masks.

~*~

While the Toa glanced at each other weighing up what Kopaka had said Aikane closed her eyes briefly then shook her head, "I'm not sure you should, " she muttered, when her brothers and sister asked why, the Toa of Twilight sighed before staring pointedly at Lewa until he blushed, "I don't think either Kokua or Anuenue would want you to."
Though the violet hued Toa hadn't glanced in his direction, Tahu was also blushing, then they managed to smile as their brothers and sisters nodded, "Maybe we should ask Turaga Anuenue." Onua commented when the sound of approaching footsteps heralded the arrival of their sisters, Hahli and Jaller.
"But not just yet." Gali replied before moving to hug the Turaga, who'd begun wiping her mask again, while Kokua hurried over to throw her arms around Lewa and Tahu shifted closer to Aikane.

Gazing up at her blue hued sister, the Turaga of Colour managed a watery smile, "Where are they?" she whispered then nodded as Gali told her, the butterflies perched on Solisha fluttered over to where Gali and Anuenue stood and landed on the Turaga's shoulders, she glanced at them then smiled gently before walking into the room where the Turagas' bodies lay.
"What's happening?" Takanuva exclaimed as he and Malie skidded to a halt near Solisha and Amaya, while they brought their brothers up to date the Turaga of Colour entered the room and softly closed the door behind her.

Moving to stand in the middle of the room, Anuenue slowly glanced around at her brothers and sister, then watched as the butterflies left her shoulders and fluttered over to land on their friends, as a fresh wave of grief swept over Anuenue, she bowed her head rubbing more tears away, while the Turaga rubbed her mask a glow began to form nearby.

Rhya Nui silently gazed around the room then quietly moved to kneel beside the grieving Turaga, then she gently hugged Anuenue, gathering her into her arms.
"Oh, oh Rhya!" Anuenue whispered startled, "I'm sorry." she added trying to stem the tears, the dusky Great Spirit smiled, "It's alright my friend," she replied kindly before adding, "Watch the butterflies."
Surprised, the Turaga glanced around and saw that the butterflies had moved to rest on the Turaga's chests and were glowing softly, their colours growing brighter by the moment.
"What's happening?" Anuenue whispered, tearing her gaze from the glowing spheres of colour to look up at Rhya Nui as she stood up, "They are returning home to where their friends are." she replied as the spheres grew to a dazzling intensity before vanishing suddenly.

Blinking the afterglow away, the Turaga of Colour then managed to smile at Rhya Nui, who watched her, "They are alright." the dusky Great Spirit murmured softly while a glow began to surround her, Anuenue bowed deeply as she departed then silently moved to stand beside the bed Nuju's body rested on.
As a fresh wave of tears tried to blind her the Turaga of Colour slowly placed his Ice-pick beside him then wrapped his hand around it, "Sleep well beloved." she whispered before turning to leave the room.

~*~

"Easy brother." Amaya said when Takanuva's colour dimmed in shock while Malie looked around for his friend, "Anuenue?" he signed as he shivered, "Still with us." Kopaka replied, then everyone glanced over to the door when Pohatu murmured in surprise, multi coloured light was shining from under the gap then winked out.
The Toa, Matoran and Torahka watched and listened intently then relaxed as they heard footsteps approaching the door, when it opened and Turaga Anuenue came out, Kokua was relieved to see her sister had regained a little colour, then smiled when Malie quickly moved to their sisters' side, his hands swiftly moving before he lifted her up and hugged her.
"I'll be alright, Malie." Anuenue replied to his question, then when he set her down, glanced around at her brothers and sisters, everyone then listened as the Turaga of Colour explained what had happened to the butterflies then when she'd finished murmured quietly amongst themselves quietly.

"Returned home?" Hahli mused as Anuenue nodded then began walking towards the exit, "That is what Rhya Nui said." she replied, quietly glancing at the still pale Chronicler, then gently rested her arm around Hahli's shoulders.
On leaving the tower everyone paused as Takanuva spotted a small group of Matoran from all the metru entered the arena and watched as they approached, "Turaga, you let this behind." Matoro said when he reached the Toa, Torahka, his friends and Anuenue.
"Thank you." she murmured then hugged Matoro tightly causing him to turn pink, "What happens now, Turaga?" Slàna asked as the early afternoon sunlight broke through the clouds, "Have all the Matoran been told?" Anuenue enquired, glancing back to Matoro after giving Slàna a hug, "Not yet Turaga, Ehrye, Luhi and Kopeke were still busy when we started over here."
Watching as her sister listened to Matoro, Amaya shifted to where Aikane stood leaning against Tahu, "Sis, Taka wants to find Ahonui." glancing at her now pale hued sister Aikane nodded, "He's with Nireta watching the razor whales." she replied silently, then they watched as Turaga Anuenue straightened up and gazed around at everyone there.

"We need to comfort and reassure the Matoran who aren't here, then...." the Turaga of Colour paused, "What would Dume say?" Aikane heard her worried sister exclaim, "We should try and rest." the Toa of Twilight added calmly, moving to join her sister, "Then everyone is to come here tomorrow to say farewell to..." a sob escaped Anuenue and she rubbed her mask furiously as Aikane knelt to hug her, "Our beloved Turaga." a muffled but understandable voice finished while the Toa and Turaga hugged.

~*~

By the time night had fallen all the Matoran had learnt of the days' events and were comforting each other while the Toa remained in their respective metru.
Feeling restless, Kokua was pacing around the gardens outside Gali's and Nokama's homes then realized she wasn't alone; Malie and Solisha paused startled as the Torahka turned around to face them.
"Sorry sister, we didn't know you were still out here." Solisha explained as the winged hybrid glanced around then moved to join them as they sat on the nearest bench.
"I just can't sleep." Kokua replied after hugging her friends, "Or believe it?" Malie 'asked' after several minutes, "No it all seems like a bad dream. If I hadn't been in Ko-metru I'd still think it was." Kokua murmured then shivered, her wings unfolding to rest around Solisha and Malie's shoulders.
"Let's go and rest, I think Anuenue will need our company more than ever tomorrow." Solisha commented after they'd watched the stars which could be seen through the breaks in the clouds for a while, realizing Kokua's head was drooping with tiredness, "Uh, oh alright." their weary sister mumbled as Malie helped her up.

Aikane and Anuenue glanced up as Solisha and Malie guided their semi-awake sister into Gali's living room, "Ready to sleep now, sis?" the Turaga of Colour kindly asked as Malie lowered Kokua onto the couch.
"Mmmmm." came the reply as the Torahka peered drowsily around before shifting closer to Turaga Anuenue and hugging her, falling asleep as she did, one wing curving protectively around the bemused Turaga.
"We'll see you tomorrow, sister." Aikane smiled, while Solisha nudged Malie as he snickered then hugged the violet Toa as she joined them, "Sleep well." Anuenue replied as she settled against her winged sister.

Kopaka slowly became aware that tiny feet were tickling his arm, opening his eyes the Toa of Ice found that the dark red and copper butterfly was standing there watching him.
Slowly sitting up, Kopaka saw his brothers and sisters glancing around the flower filled meadow, then the other butterflies appeared and were fluttering around everyone as they shifted closer to each other. Malie and Solisha hugged, then she whispered something to him, smiling the peridot hued Toa took his flute out and began playing.
While the Toa, Torahka and Turaga enjoyed the gentle melodies he played, no-one noticed they'd been joined by others called by the music, "You've improved no end." an unexpected voice happily said when Malie paused.
"Turaga Reòta!" Solisha yelped startled, turning to look at the Turaga of Voya Nui, with him were Lhikan, Raigi, Dume, Vakama, Nokama, Matau, Onewa, Whenua and Nuju, while the spirit Turaga moved to join them Nuju paused then beckoned Anuenue to join him.

On reaching her closefriend, Anuenue shyly held a hand out when he smiled gently and enfolded his around it, silently they walked a short distance from their brothers and sisters then sat amongst a large patch of flowers.
Resting his arm around his sisters' shoulders while she lent against him, Nuju whispered, "I'll always be close dear heart." glancing up surprised, Anuenue smiled as she realized he'd spoken and blushed.
“I was rather vocal.” she whispered back then sighed, “It’s going to be strange.” Anuenue added softly as she glanced around at the flowers, “You’ll do well.” Nuju chuckled gently as he examined a flower partly hidden by a clump of grass. It was similar to the one Tahu had given Aikane, but it’s colours were amethyst and ice blue, after carefully plucking it, Nuju then, to Anuenue’s delight carefully wove it into her robe.
“It matches your mask.” he commented, “And your eyes.” she giggled, hugging her closefriend tightly; they then wandered back to where their brothers and sisters chatted.

Aikane smiled when the Turaga of Colour and Ice rejoined them and sat beside Vakama, Lhikan, Tahu and her. Matau nudged Nokama, both smiling as they glanced over to where their rainbow hued sister was leaning against Nuju. “Shall we join them?” he whispered to her as they chatted with Gali, Lewa and Kokua while Kopaka still glanced curiously around the meadow before wandering over to chat with Turaga Reòta.
Nokama looked thoughtful then smiled, “Not this time,” she replied before adding, “They’re coming over here.”

When everyone had gathered in the middle of the meadow and were chatting amongst themselves, Raigi glanced over to where Kokua was listening to Whenua and Dume. “If no one minds would you sing for us?” he asked while glancing round the group. Chuckles rose up as Kokua blushed then giggles as Lewa tickled her, “I’d be honoured to.” she replied, laughing as Amaya, Takanuva and Gali grabbed hold of their brother and tickled him into breathlessness.
While the Toa of Air regained his breath, the other spirits settled around Kokua, as she sat beside Tahu, Aikane sensed that they were being watched by the Great Spirits and slowly cast her gaze around the meadow, seeing if she could spot them.

"Rest well daughter." a whisper brushed against her mind as Kokua began singing, Aikane smiled and lent against Tahu as he rested his arm round her shoulders. While everyone listened to the Torahka, Rhya Nui also began singing, her voice indistinguishable from Kokua’s, coaxing the Toa, Turaga Anuenue’s and Kokua’s spirits to return to sleep.

Gently resting Anuenue’s spirit onto the grass, Nuju glanced at his brothers and sister as they gathered around them, then stepped back as a glow began to form round the Toa, Kokua and Anuenue.
“Ahonui will help her.” Dume murmured when their friend’s spirits had returned to their bodies, “I know brother.” Nuju replied as the spirit Turaga left the flowered meadow and rejoined the others; the butterflies perched on their shoulders.

...

Kokua felt something damp and cold poke her cheek, followed by a soft inquisitive whine, sleepily she opened her eyes to find Rei was staring at her curiously.
"Shush, you’ll wake Anuenue." Kokua whispered as Rei nudged her again before trying to scramble up beside her, carefully the hybrid shifted her sleeping sister into the curve of her wing then quickly picked Rei up before resting Anuenue back against her side.
While the small rahi settled contentedly on Kokua’s lap she checked on her sister, a slight smile was visible and as she watched Anuenue sighed moving closer to her. Realizing that it was the middle of the night; Kokua fluffed her wings out then drifted back to sleep, thinking about their shared dream and how Rhya Nui had sung with her.

...

Dawn was brightening the skies over Ga-metru when Nireta was woken by a thud, rubbing her eyes she was surprised to see that Ahonui had fallen from his bed and was staring around. Realizing that he was still asleep, she stayed quiet, “I will, Turaga Dume.” the violet/light gold Matoran spoke after several minutes passed, he then stood up and bowed before getting back on his bed and curled up again.
Before he could get cold, Nireta gently replaced his blankets then quickly noted down what she’d just witnessed before writing another note for her closefriend. Picking up some fruit though she didn’t feel hungry, Nireta then silently left her home and wandered in the direction of Gali’s.

When she reached the main square, Nireta paused to watch the butterfly flock as they basked in the early morning sunlight. To her surprise, several of them then moved together to form a cluster and a tiny glow began to shine through their wings. Curious as to what was going on, Nireta moved closer and watched as the glow brightened then slowly faded away.
“Oh wow!” the Matoran whispered as the butterflies moved from the cluster to reveal seven new ones, who carefully began flexing their wings. The green-flecked, yellow one then fluttered over to where the amazed Matoran stood and landed on her shoulder, “Think they’ll be hungry?” she asked, watching the butterfly as it slowly flexed its wings. In reply to the question, the butterfly deepened the colours of its wings then took off and circled around Nireta before returning to the flock.
Sitting down beside them, Nireta carefully broke the fruit into pieces and spread them out before watched enthralled as the newly formed butterflies made their way over to the fruit and delicately tasted it.

“Such pretty colours.” Nireta murmured when they’d finished eating and were examining her curiously, admiring the amethyst and ice blue one as it perched on her arm, she then peered at the others. The other six were red and deep aqua, orange and lime green, mid blue lines over yellow, green and white, indigo and rose and violet with silver flecks. “I’ve just realized you make up a rainbow.” Nireta murmured in surprise and realizing she still hadn’t fully woken, the green-flecked yellow deepened its colours again then took off towards Gali’s leaving the flock, Nireta and the new butterflies to wait on the bench.

…

Aikane sat on her bed, glancing around at Gali and Amaya, who were still fast asleep then she silently crept out the room to see how Kokua and Anuenue were. Finding them still sleeping, she smiled as Rei opened her eyes and twitched her tail but didn’t move. The Toa of Twilight then silently left Gali’s thinking that she would go to the Great Temple for a while.
As she carefully closed the door, Aikane felt a tickle as something landed on her shoulder and glanced round curiously, the green-flecked yellow butterfly then took off and fluttered around her shifting its wing colours before returning to where the flock and Nireta waited.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Glancing around as he entered the arena, Kopaka wasn’t surprised to see his brothers already there and quietly talking about the best way to honour their Turaga. Watching their icy brother as he approached, they noticed that Kopaka was carrying several bundles of firewood, “You also think it’s fitting?” the Toa of Ice commented, nodding at the pyres several Matoran were building.
“Yes, it seems we all woke-roused with this idea.” Lewa quietly replied while he and Pohatu helped take the bundles from their brother before carrying them over to the waiting Matoran.

“Taka, do you want to go and see how our sisters are?” Tahu asked when they finished helping Kapura, Ahodan and Nuhrii, then glanced at his unnaturally quiet brother. The Toa of Light was gazing over to the tower, a distant look in his eyes, before blinking and nodding as he glanced back at his fiery brother.
While heading for the exit, Takanuva was joined by Pohatu, who quietly walked beside him. As they reached the station, the Toa of Stone murmured, “When I woke up I went to Onewa’s to tell him about the dream we shared.” Takanuva nodded, “I wanted to do the same.” he replied before tapping Pohatu’s fist then jumping into the chute for Ga-metru.

~*~


"Turaga, can you come outside? There’s something you should see." Aikane’s soft call roused Anuenue. Blinking sleepily, the halfawake Turaga glanced at Rei and Kokua, then carefully dientangled herself from her sister’s arm and wing before patting Rei’s head and leaving the living room.
The little rahi glanced up at her winged friend, then jumped down from the couch and followed her other frined, catching up with Turaga Anuenue as she opened the door. ”Looking for Wotzit?” Anuenue whispered, glancing at Rei. At the mention of her madcap friend’s name, Rei’s ears perked up and she gave an eager whine before bounding out into the main square.
Peering round the square, Anuenue smiled when she spotted Aikane, Nireta and the butterfly flock then made her way over to them while Rei scouted around to find Wotzit’s trail.

”How are you feeling Nireta?” the Turaga of Colour softly enquired when she reached the Matoran and her sister, ”Sad but everyone will feel the same way.” She replied after several minutes, Turaga Anuenue nodded then hugged Nireta gently.
”We have some new friends, sister.” Aikane commented as her rainbow hued sister watched the butterflies as they began to dance around them, curious Anuenue glanced up at her sister, ”Hold out your hands and close your eyes.” Aikane grinned.
Now throughly intrigued, Anuenue did as asked and soon after felt several pairs of tiny feet land on her arms and hands. ”Oh my!” she heard Nireta exclaim and opening her eyes, Anuenue saw seven new butterflies perched watching her, their wings matching, one wing white with a intense blue spot and the other dusky blue and silver with an identical blue spot.

”You’re beautiful.” the Turaga of Colour murmured as they resumed their original colours, she then lifted up the amethyst and ice blue one, ”Just like this flower.” She added softly, brushing a finger over Nuju’s gift as her eyes grew damp.

While they sat on the bench, Takanuva and Pohatu arrived in the square and walked over to join them, ”Are the rest of our sisters awake?” Takanuva softly asked after hugging his sisters, Aikane glanced over to Gali’s then smiled, ”Amaya is nearly awake and Gali is speaking with Solis and Malie.”

Excited barking suddenly broke the peace as Wotzit raced into the square begin chased by Rei, those present snickered as the small black and white rahi yapped happily, tumbling over herself in her excitement to catch her friend. The noise caused Kokua, Gali, Solisha and Malie to come quickly outside and they stood there chuckling at the rahi’s antics, Amaya joining them a few moments later to watch.
When Rei and Wotzit had charged off somewhere else everyone returned to Gali’s for breakfast, though no one had much of an appetite and just picked at the fruit for a while before leaving Galli’s and made their way to the station, joining the Matoran heading for the coliseum.

…

"OH NO!" the silent exclamation rang in Aikane’s mind while the group travelled towards the coliseum, "What's wrong, sister?" the violet hued Toa gently asked, shifting closer to the Turaga of Colour.
"The Matoran will expect me to say something, and when the Rahaga and Toa Voya return I'll have to explain what's happened again." she glanced up at her sister and for a moment Aikane could see that her sister was terrified. "You'll know what to say when the time is right." Aikane gently replied. catching Anuenue's hand and squeezing it compassionately as the station nearest to the coliseum came into sight.
Together they left the chute and watched as the rest of the Ga-matoran exited behind tehm and then joined Takanuva, Amaya, Solisha and Malie, "We're going to wait for Kokua to arrive." he said then asked if Anuenue would like to wait with them.

...

Entering the arena, Gali and Pohatu joined their brothers before they asked the Matoran to watch for their friends, Hahli and Jaller nodded, bowed and went to keep watch.
Silently the Toa Nuva entered the tower and after pausing for a moment went into the Turagas' bedroom, gathered their bodies up then solemnly returned outside, their heads bowed.

When they reached the pyres, the Toa gently placed the Turagas' bodies onto them, they then carefully straightened their friends robes and staffs before moving close to comfort each other.

Kopaka was gently brushing tears from Gali's mask when the Matoran began entering the arena and moved to join their Toa, slowly the arena filled and the last to enter were the Ga-matoran.
When they reached Gali, Hahli gazed up at the Toa of Water then as she bent down to speak with the Chronicler, Hahli threw her arms round her neck hugging her tightly. "Turaga Anuenue and the others are waiting for Kokua and the butterflies." the Chronicler whispered after she'd let go and stepped back to join Jaller, who clasped her hand tightly.

…

It was midmorning when Kokua and the new butterflies arrived and joined the waiting Toa and Turaga. While the butterflies landed on the Turaga of Colour, Kokua moved to hug Aikane. Looking up at her sisters and brother, Anuenue sighed, “They’re waiting for us.” She whispered glancing towards the entrance. The Toa and Torahka nodded and quietly followed their sister, Takanuva and Amaya watching as the Turaga of Colour’s colours faded to ashen hues. Pausing at the entrance to the arena, Anuenue swallowed hard trying to dismiss the lump in her throat, then managed a tiny smile as Aikane squeezed her shoulder.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Watching as the Toa, Torahka and Turaga entered the arena and slowly moved to join their friends, the butterflies fluttered over to perch on the crystal orb and the Matoran parted to allow them to mingle and join the other Toa.
Slowly, the Turaga of Colour then moved to stand on the Destiny part of the Bionicle symbol then glanced around at the pyres. Closing her eyes briefly, she then spoke, "We have gathered to pay our respects to the Turaga of Metru Nui. The best way to honour them would be to share our most cherished memories." her voice then cracked and she fell silent.

While Anuenue struggled to control the wave of grief that swept over her, Kopaka silently moved to kneel beside the grieving Turaga and gently hugged her.
While he did, the Toa of Ice began to speak about the first time he’d met Turaga Nuju and he’d shown him around Ko-koro.

The rest of the Toa glanced at each other wondering who would go next, then joined Kopaka and Anuenue before turning to face the sorrowing Matoran and Kokua, as they did Kopaka continued speaking moving onto his memories of the other Turaga.

As the suns moved through the sky, first the other Toa and then the Matoran added their memories of the Turaga and by the time it was Kokua’s turn it was early evening and she wept helplessly as she finished speaking. Lewa gently gathered his closefriend into his arms and they turned to where Turaga Anuenue had stood motionless all day.

With tears running down her mask, Turaga Anuenue began speaking about her favourite memories, from watching and once feeding the dermis turtles with Nokama, going around the archives with Whenua and their mad discussions about various things, several Onu-matoran chuckled quietly, drawing a small smile from the Turaga of Colour, to being shown around an assemblers village by Onewa.
When she paused, Onua offered her a canister of water, but Turaga Anuenue shook her head then carried on with the rest of her tributes, how Dume and Nixie had taught her the constellations, Vakama telling her that she’d have enough time to explore the villages on Mata Nui. About the time Matau had, with the aid of several Le-matoran, who began snickering, tried to pelt her and Kokua with fruit only to have the Torahka fly them out of the way and watch as the fruit covered their brother and friends, everyone chuckled as the Le-matoran in question grinned.

Turaga Anuenue then turned to the pyre where her closefriend lay and silence fell over the arena, glancing round at the Toa as they waited, torches in hands, the Turaga of Colour softly spoke, “My fondest memory of Turaga Nuju is when he found that I also liked watching ice crystals growing. The expression of delight I will treasure forever.”
She fell silent and gazed at the Turaga of Ice’s body while the Toa moved as one and held their torches against the wood until the pyres were alight then added them to the flames and moved to join their sister.

“We cannot grieve forever, though our hearts feel like they will never mend. But Dume and the others will always be with us in our hearts and memories.” Turaga Anuenue’s voice suddenly rang out clearly before the effects of having not eaten or drunk all day coupled with grief overwhelmed her and she sank to the ground, her eyes closing.
Malie caught his friend and glanced up anxiously at the others as Kokua hurried to his side, Lakino with her.

While everyone watched anxiously, the sky blue healer examined the Turaga while Kokua used her wings to gently fan Turaga Anuenue's face. "We should take her inside to prevent her getting a chill and she's got a touch of sunstroke." Lakino explained as Malie tried to free his hands to ask what was wrong.

By now the pyres were well alight and as the Matoran, Toa and Kokua watched a murmur of amazement went up as figures appeared in the flames. The spirits of the departed Turaga smiled at their friends raised their staffs in salute then disappeared.

"Erm Kokua do you think it would be appropate to sing something?" Akara whispered as she moved to where the Torahka stood. Crouching to be level with her friend, Kokua gave her a hug before nodding, "I think the Turaga would approve." she replied before standing up and stretching her wings.

[Kokua aviatrix]

While she moved to where her rainbow hued sister had stood, Malie carried Anuenue in the direction of the tower, pausing when Amaya joined him and silently held her arms out and accepted her sister. Solisha then reached out to her closefriend whom pulled her into a tight hug.
Aikane nodded when Kokua glanced first at her then around the arena before she began singing. As the notes circled around first the hybrid then floated out to reach everyone, the Matoran slowly began picking up the melody, joining in until the arena was ringing with the sound and the air seemed to shake.

“That was incredible.” Kazi whispered to Suna when everyone finished and were hugging, while the pyres finally collapsed. The Toa Nuva began quietly talking with Aikane while the others kept an eye on Turaga Anuenue.
Several minutes passed as the stars began to brighten the skies, then the Toa Nuva turned to the waiting Matoran and quietly talked with the nearest.
Nodding as the word passed amongst them, the Matoran bowed and began making their way slowly out of the arena, “We’ll go with them.” Tahu murmured as they watched their friends heading back to their metru.

Ahonui hadn’t moved from where he’d been when the Toa Nuva had begun their conversation and when Kopaka glanced at him curiously, he bowed, “Turaga Dume spoke with me in my dreams.” moving closer to the violet/light gold Matoran, the Toa waited for him to continue speaking. “He asked if I’d become Turaga Anuenue’s assistant.”
“Just like me.” Malie signed before scooping Ahonui up in a hug, “And?” Lewa prompted intrigued. “I said I would.” Ahonui replied as Malie set him down, the Toa Nuva nodded and bid their brothers and sisters good night before following the Matoran back to the metru.

Noticing that Lakino kept glancing in the direction of the coliseum as they left the chute station, Gali scooped the sky-blue healer up and asked what was troubling her. “Just worried about our Turaga.” came Lakino’s reply before she rubbed her damp mask, “She’ll be alright. Aikane and Amaya will make certain of that. And we can return tomorrow.” Gali murmured setting Lakino down as they continued towards the centre of Ga-metru.
“You’re welcome to spend the night at mine.” Lakino said when Gali yawned deeply and nodded gratefully, “thank you, I don’t think anyone should be alone tonight.”

~*~

Back at the tower, Amaya placed Anuenue on the nearest bed in the Toa’s bedroom and managed a smile as Solisha as she entered carrying a tray loaded with jug, beakers, bowls, fruit and a cloth.

Aikane, Takanuva and Malie were still watching the embers as they cooled, while Kokua had gone to the conference room and was watching the crystal orb.

“Turaga Anuenue once saved my life.” the rainbow Toa whispered as she dampened the cloth and placed it on Anuenue’s forehead, she then softly explained what had happened to Solisha while they carefully and slowly trickled water into the Turaga’s mouth, stroking her throat to encourage her to swallow.
While Amaya was pouring out drinks for Solisha and herself, Anuenue stirred and slowly opened her eyes then lay there watching her sisters as they quietly talked about the day’s events.

[Kokua aviatrix]

"I'd forgotten just how much heatstroke hurts." a soft murmur caused Amaya and Solisha to whirl back to the bed that the Turaga of Colour rested on, she still looked pale but managed to smile when Amaya offered her more water. When their sisters and brothers entered the room, Amaya helped Turaga Anuenue to sit up while Solisha poured a small amount of water for their sister.
The rainbow hued Turaga slowly as she listened to them explain what they'd seen after she'd lost consciousness, "It would have been nice to see that." Anuenue murmured leaning against Kokua, who'd swapped places with Solisha and accepted the bowl of fruit Amaya insisted she ate.

Yawning, the younger Toa settled near with Malie and Ahonui, Aikane went to have a quiet word with them before returning to keep an eye on her sister. Slowly everyone settled down, Kokua hugging Anuenue as they fell asleep.
A while later, attracted by the undimmed lightstones, the butterfly flock found their way into the bedroom and settled above the bed where Kokua and Anuenue slept.

~*~

On the Island of Mata Nui, the Toa and Rahaga were suddenly woken by a tremendous clap of thunder.
"Uh...what's happening?" Ferinus muttered, still half asleep and tangled in his blankets. "Karzahni of a storm, brother." Tein'a replied dryly, then nodded in agreement as Hakinu exclaimed in surprise as an almighty flash of lightning lit up the tunnel.
The Toa hurried to pull their supplies further into the tunnel while the Rahaga coaxed the nearly dead fire into life as the rain began to come down in torrents.

"That is a really bad-nasty storm." Sheranu muttered when he sat back beside Norik and Bomonga, Ferinus had settled beside Reshana, who drowsily lent against him drawing low chuckles from their brothers.
Gaaki was talking with Tein'a about what they'd been told about Ko-wahi when everyone was temporarily deafened and blinded as thunder and lightning erupted directly overhead.

Grasping Ferinus's hand tightly, Reshana shuddered as she felt the rumbles of thunder slowly die away, "That really hurt." she murmured, rubbing her ears while everyone blinked the afterglow away before Hakinu moved to stoke the fire.
While he did, Kualus and Pouks moved to peer out of the tunnel entrance, "Looks like the worst of it is over." Pouks commented as the rain began easing as they watched. "Hmm...brother, look over there." Kualus replied, pointing to a group of bushes where a clump of feathers could be seen poking out from them as a flash of lightning illuminated the area.

Quickly, the Rahaga made their way over to the bushes and carefully began moving the broken branches away form the unconscious figure. Having noticed their friends had ventured outside, Lerihua and Hakinu went to see what was happening. On seeing them trying to pull someone out of the bushes, Hakinu went to assist while Lerihua alerted the others.

"thank you that's a great help." Pouks said as the young Fire Toa lifted the branches that the Rahaga were struggling with, "Now let's get you back inside." Kualus muttered as he and Pouks finished disentangling the figure from the bushes.
Everyone looked intrigued as their brothers returned to the fireside, carrying the limp figure with them, "A winged Matoran." Norik murmured in amazement as everyone pitched in to help.
"He's so cold." Tein'a muttered worriedly, wrapping blankets round the Po-matoran while Gaaki insisted on her brothers and Hakinu drying out and Norik, Reshana and Iruini fixed hot drinks for everyone and Bomonga stoked the fire.

...

"It's nearly morning, so if Iruini, Bomonga and I go with Sheranu and Tein'a back to the boats, we can see if the Matoran know anything about our young friend." Norik said while the Toa sorted through their supplies and the Rahaga kept watch over the unconscious Matoran.
"Sounds good brother." Gaaki smiled as Kualus joined her, folding up his blanket which he then placed under the Matoran's head. "He's lucky his wings didn't break." the Rahaga of Ice commented after checking the Matoran's temperature and rejoining those sitting by the fire.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Slowly unfamiliar voices trickled into the Po-matoran’s awareness as he felt warmth and softness surrounding him.
“How’s he doing?” a calm voice enquired as he sensed someone bending over him, “His colours have returned and I think he’ll wake up soon.” came the reply, as the one kneeling beside him placed their hand on his forehead. Startled he opened his eyes, only to gasp and clamp his hand over his mask, “So bright.” he whispered, shielding his eyes with the blanket.
“Easy, try and drink some of this.” the first voice said as footsteps moved closer, “We’ll use some blankets to dim this area, Rahaga.” a third voice murmured, as someone carefully wrapped the Matoran’s hands round a beaker, “Drink it slowly.” the calm voice advised.
Listening as several beings carefully moved around him, the Matoran sipped the contents of the beaker, wondering where his friends were and if they also had got free. After a while the sound of movement ended. “That should help, if you want to try opening your eyes slowly. We’ve doubled the spare blankets to darken this area.” the second voice said as it’s owner returned to his side.

~*~

Kai, Nixie and Keahi were busy sorting out the last of the damaged rigging when Sheranu, Tein’a and three of the Rahaga arrived at where they’d moored. “Is everything alright?” Macku asked as they paused for a rest and shared their snack with the Toa and Rahaga, listening intrigued as they told the Matoran what had occurred during the storm.
As one Kai, Nixie and Macku glanced at Keahi, who had turned paler than anyone thought possible before she flung herself at Sheranu. “Please take me to him!” she screamed, flinging her arms round his neck and refusing to let go when he tried to loosen her grip.
“Alright, let me *ack* breath! We’ll return-go back with you.” Sheranu managed to gasp, while the other Matoran quickly explained why Keahi had reacted like that.

“We’d better hurry before Keahi chokes Shenu.” Bomonga commented, grinning up at the young Toa of Air who was trying to get his unexpected passenger into a better position for traveling back.

~*~

Reshana, Lerihua and Kualus, whom was supporting the Matoran, watched as he slowly opened his eyes again, wincing slightly in the dim light. Then as he finished the drink, glanced around getting his bearings and slowly focusing on those around him.

“Are you Toa? Only you seem different to the ones I once met.” the Matoran enquired after peering curiously at them for several minutes, he then glanced over his shoulder to see who was helping him.
“Ah!” the Po-matoran yelped in surprise, trying to move from where he was lent against the Rahaga. “Easy now, you were half drowned when my brothers found you.” the calm voice of the one who’d first asked how he was reached him as the speaker ducked under the blankets.

"Wh-what are you?" the startled Matoran exclaimed as Gaaki handed him a bowl of fruit, "We're know as Rahaga, it's a long story. I'm Gaaki and this is one of my brothers, Kualus." she smiled reassuringly before moving to sit beside Reshana.
Quietly the Matoran tucked into the food, feeling vaguely embarrassed about all the attention he was getting and peered curiously at the Rahaga and Toa, still puzzled about how he'd got there.

...

Sheranu landed outside the tunnel, which led past Onu-koro, and before he could assist her, Keahi had jumped down and raced into where they'd sheltered.
"AYO!" the sudden shout startled those who'd stayed with the Matoran and they stopped what they were doing as a pale blue blur shot into the camp and skidded to a halt, staring around before dashing over to the blankets when she heard her name called and ducked behind them.
Several moments later Reshana and Kualus left the area to join their friends, "I'll return-go back to the others." Sheranu said once he'd got his breath and having a drink, glancing over to where quiet murmuring could just be heard.

Pouks glanced outside and smiled as his brothers and Tein'a landed near by, "That's fine, they've returned." he commented looking round at the young Air Toa, who grinned and went to meet them.

~*~

Ducking under the blankets, Keahi paused to let her eyes adjust then ran to her closefriend’s side. Reshana and Kualus glanced at each other then nodded and left the oblivious Matoran alone. “Oh Ayo,” Keahi whispered as they hugged, “What happened to you?”
Slowly he explained, only pausing when Iruini glanced round the blankets to see if they wanted anything to eat.
After thanking him, Ayo glanced at his closefriend, “Do you think they’d mind if we went for a walk. I might see something to show that my companions also made it out of the darkness.”
Keahi smiled as she hugged him again, “I don’t see why not. They’ll offer to help too.” she murmured then giggled, “I’ve missed flying with you.”


When giggling erupted from behind the blankets, the Toa and Rahaga chuckled and waited to see what the Matoran would do, Keahi emerged first, her hand in Ayo's while he followed her, his free hand shielding his eyes.
"Still too light-bright for you?" Sheranu asked as the pair joined them, "Yes Toa, but I'll adjust thank you." the chocolate hued Matoran bowed politely, his wings rustling softly then he smiled before making his request.
"We'd be delighted to help." Norik chuckled as the Toa began to gather their supplies and pack up. "We'll take the stuff back to the boats and then come back to help you and the Rahaga." Hakinu said, as he folded up the blankets near him, shoving them into a bag.
The rest of the Toa agreed, then laughed when Ferinus lobbed a piece of fruit at Sheranu when he made a cheeky comment about Reshana's choice of pillow.

Watching the Toa as they continued packing, Bomonga noticed that Ayo was restlessly peering around looking for signs that his companions were also free. "Don't worry-fret. If they are free we'll find-locate them." Iruini smiled reassuringly as he, Ayo and Keahi wandered over to where the Rahaga of Earth was examining the bushes where the winged Matoran had been found.
"Apart from the area where you'd been trapped. Can you remember anything else before regaining consciousness?" Pouks enquired as he joined them, Gaaki, Norik and Kualus close behind him. Fidgeting with several flight feathers, Ayo gazed into space fro a few minutes then murmured, "Just being surrounded by thunder and lightning, then being buffeted by strong winds until I blacked out."

~*~

Kai, Nixie and Macku waved to the Toa as they flew into sight, "Wow these Miru Nuva are brilliant!" Lerihua exclaimed, a delighted as he and the others landed on the shore then carried their bags over to the boats they'd travelled on.

"Need any more help?" Macku asked once the Toa had stowed the bags and regrouped on the shore, "I think we've got enough pairs of eyes, thanks though." Hakinu replied with a grin. "And it's time we went home." Tein'a added before activating his mask.

The Matoran watched as the Toa Voya headed back to assist the others, "Ayo's head's gonna be spinning when he learns all that's happened." Nixie commented when the Toa could no longer be seen.
"Yeah and just wait until he finds out about Kokua!" Kai laughed before she hurried off to set up another hammock, Nixie and Macku close behind her.

~*~

The Toa reached the area near where they'd camped and were me in midair by the Rahaga and Ayo, who carried Keahi, "We'll spread out from here and scout for signs of Ayo's companions and meet back at the boats mid afternoon." Norik said when the Toa hovered to listen.

"Mind if I come with you?" Lerihua asked as he shifted to hover beside Ayo and Keahi, the pale Matoran was hugging her closefriend tightly. "Pease that would be great." the winged Matoran grinned while Keahi giggled.
Scanning the area and slowly moving away from where Ayo had been found, the Toa, Rahaga and Matoran checked and double-checked every square inch of ground.

Reshana and Gaaki were first to return to the boats, "I hope the others had better luck." the young Water Toa murmured, glancing over to where Tein'a and Kualus were coming into sight.
The Toa and Rahaga of Ice walked over to join their friends; their mask and face said it all, so Reshana and Gaaki sat with them and waited for the others to return.

The sun was low in the sky by the time Lerihua, Pouks, Ayo and Keahi returned to the boats, the winged Matoran looked tired and unhappy as Keahi led him on board the boat she'd travelled on.

"Welcome back Ayo." Kai called out, smiling happily when they entered the galley. She, Macku and Nixie insisted that everyone had something to eat and drink before saying how their search had gone.
"Not a sign." Pouks sighed ruefully, "I'd really hoped they'd got free too." Ayo sighed miserably as he rubbed his mask and stifled a yawn, "Spirits willing, they will make it." Norik said as he gently squeezed Ayo's shoulder.
"Come and get some rest, you're exhausted." Ferinus added, steadying the winged Matoran when he staggered and nearly yawned his mask off.

After settling Ayo in a hammock, those on the second boat returned and while Macku and Nixie weighed anchor, Reshana helped Kai and Keahi do the same on theirs.

~*~

Unknown to the Toa Rahaga and Matoran, two days after they departed from the island, a further storm wracked the area where Ayo had appeared. When it abated and faded away, several figures lay in the clearing, unconscious and soaked.

[Kokua aviatrix]

Waking up in Kokua's arms, Anuenue glanced around at her sisters and brothers, then watched the butterflies as they perched on the wall slowly shifting their wing colours.

"How are you feeling sis?" Amaya silently asked while stretching, managing not to disturb Takanuva, "Over the worse of the heatstroke, hungry and..." the rainbow hued Turaga smiled sadly, "Wanting to go outside."

Nodding Amaya got up and helped her sister to get up without waking Kokua, as they then headed for the door, the butterflies moved, fluttering over to land on the Turaga of Colour.
"And they're hungry too." Anuenue whispered as she and Amaya headed for the kitchen, while the butterflies shifted their colours.

After getting some fruit and canisters together, the Toa and Turaga went outside and sat on the stairs leading up to the crystal orb, "We'll have to do something with the ashes." the rainbow hued Turaga murmured softly while sharing her breakfast with the butterflies.
Amaya nodded then glanced over to where the seven piles of ash lay. Gazing thoughtfully at where the pyres had stood, Anuenue rested her chin on her staff silently going through various things.

The butterflies once they'd finished eating, glanced up at Turaga Anuenue then took off heading for the piles of ash, "Sis what are they doing?" Amaya commented, accidentally breaking Anuenue's train of thought, "What? Oh, I'm not sure. Let's go and find out."
As they followed the butterflies across the kohlii arena, Kokua came to the door and watched curiously before going to rouse the others.

...

While they stretched, Kokua shook Takanuva's arm to wake him, sleepily, the Toa of Light turned over and caught the Torahka in a big hug before fully waking. "Taka! Just wait until 'Maya hears." Aikane managed to say as the room erupted with laughter and Kokua blushed deeply.
The light gold Toa grinned sheepishly while letting their winged sister go, "Lewa would give me more grief than 'Maya would." he replied as they left the bedroom, Kokua giggling madly, and went to see what was happening in the arena.

...

When the Toa and Turaga of Colour reached the ash piles they saw that the butterflies were hovering about them, "It's like their waiting for something." Amaya whispered.
"Yeah, but what." Anuenue replied, glancing round as movement near the tower caught her eye.

"Turaga, what's happening?" Malie asked as he and the others reached her and Amaya, the Turaga shrugged, "I'm not sure, but I think we should watch." she quietly replied.

Turning their attention back to where the butterflies still hovered over the ashes, the group watched as the seven butterflies then dipped lower as if to perch on the ash. A sudden gasp escaped everyone when tiny sparks of light leapt from their wings to land on the piles, which slowly began to shrink and glow.

Glancing over at Aikane, while the others watched raptly, Anuenue noticed her sister's eyes were glowing intense blue, then they faded back to aqua before the Toa of Twilight smiled at her curious sister. Moving to stand beside Turaga Anuenue, Aikane squeezed the Turaga of Colour's shoulder gently, "A little extra colour is needed, Turaga." the violet hued Toa said formally while their brothers and sisters watched intrigued, and the Toa Nuva arrived and moved to join them.

"Sister what is going on?" Gali whispered to Amaya, "I'm not sure." the Toa of Colour replied, watching as Turaga Anuenue nodded in response to what Aikane had said, then moved to stand in the Destiny part of the Bionicle symbol.

Stopping in the centre of the spot, the Turaga of Colour felt a sense of calm surround her as she raised up her staff and activated it, calling a stream of rainbow coloured light into being. As the colour grew brighter, the butterflies moved to brush their wings against the colour they matched before returning to the now brightly glowing tiny piles of ash. Landing on the pile, the butterflies wings turned incandescent, causing those watching to shield their eyes, "Wow, bright-light." Lewa murmured, moving closer to Kokua.

While the Toa and Torahka blinked the remaining afterglow away, the Turaga of Colour watched amazed as the butterflies wings returned to their usual shades, then the dark aqua and red one fluttered over to her and landed on her arm for a moment before returning to where it had been. Intrigued, Anuenue followed the butterfly over to where Dume's pyre had been, "Spirits." she whispered awed, for sitting where the pyre had been was a small dark red gem, glancing around at where the other butterflies still hovered, Anuenue saw six more gems.
"Turaga, is everything alright?" Tahu called out unexpectedly, his voice breaking the silence. Glancing over to where they stood watching her, the rainbow hued Turaga smiled and nodded then turned her attention back to the nearest gem.
While she reassured the others, the dark aqua and red butterfly began flicking it's wings impatiently, "Alright little one, I'll pick them up." Anuenue murmured softly. When her fingers brushed over the gem, the butterfly settled on her shoulder and as it landed, Anuenue sensed it was happy that she'd picked the gem up.
Watching as the Turaga picked up what ever the butterflies had been guarding, Kopaka glanced over to where Aikane stood, an enigmatic smile on her mask, "What have you been told?" he wondered.
Gazing at the seven gems in her palm, Turaga Anuenue glanced at the butterflies now resting on her shoulders before moving to rejoin the Toa and Torahka, "What will you do with them sister?" Pohatu enquired after the Turaga of Colour showed them the gems.
"For now I'm not sure, but I think we should leave them in the conference room for the moment." she replied before glancing at the position of the suns, "I should go and reassure the Matoran that I'm alright." she added.
"We'll come with you." Malie suddenly added while they returned to the tower, the rainbow hued Turaga chuckled softly as she walked beside her peridot hued friend, Gali and Aikane, glancing up at the mute Toa affectionately.

Placing the seven gems on the table in the conference room, Anuenue gazed at her brothers and sisters. "Are you sure they will be safe?" Kopaka mused after he, Kokua and the other Toa had finished examining the gems.
Glancing at the gems again, the Turaga of Colour nodded before moving towards the entrance, "Yes." she replied softly, a smile crossing her mask briefly. "It's good to see you smile again." Solisha murmured as they followed Gali, Tahu and Kopaka, who were deep in conversation about something.
"It’ll help to begin the healing." Anuenue softly replied before chuckling when Malie signed hopefully, "The midwinter party!"

"Yes that would help all of us." Onua grinned at the mute Toa, who in turn glanced hopefully at the Turaga who smiled before agreeing with Onua, "Alright, you and Lewa go and see how the preparations for the midwinter festival are going." Anuenue said then giggled as Malie swept her up in a hug before placing her down and hurrying over to where Lewa, Kokua and Pohatu chatted as everyone made their way to the chute station.

Unknown to the Toa, Turaga and Kokua, roughly half an hour after they'd left a glow appeared in the conference room and coalesced into the spirits of the Turaga.
Silently they peered curiously at the gems which had formed from their ashes, then glanced up at the weaving.
Matau was first to move, he placed his hand over the green gem and waited for his brothers and closefriend to do the same, as they did a second glow formed and Rhya Nui joined the group.

"What now?" Nuju asked after the spirit Turaga bowed to the dusky Great Spirit, she smiled, "We return to the spirit realm and watch." she replied enigmatically, then laughed as Matau pulled a face before Nokama could nudge him. As the dusky Great Spirit's melodious laughter swept around the room, the spirit Turaga moved to join her and all vanished leaving the gems shining brightly in the sunlight.

~*~

Watching Lewa and Malie as they left the chute at the Le-metru main station, Turaga Anuenue found herself trembling as she and her sisters headed towards Ko-metru.
"We're here sister." Aikane and Amaya softly whispered, shifting closer to Anuenue, "I know, thank you. If no one minds, I'll leave Ko-metru until last." she replied, glancing up at them and Solisha, who'd drawn closer to her diminutive rainbow hued friend.

As they passed through the chute over the icy landscape, the Turaga of Colour gazed unseeingly out the chute, lost in her memories, while the Toa watched anxious but respectful.

"Sister, we're nearly at the Po-metru main station." Amaya's quiet whisper and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder roused Anuenue and she smiled up, "Thank you for that." she replied.

When they left the chute, Anuenue hugged her sisters, while Kokua Hewkii, Olcas and Tanami joined them. Turning to her winged sister and friends, the Turaga managed to smile reassuringly.
"Toa Pohatu is sorry he's not here to greet you. But he felt that someone should let Keetongu know and has headed out to the cavern a few minutes ago." Olcas explained while they headed to the main square, pausing so that Turaga Anuenue could talk with the Matoran whom stopped what they were doing so that they could find out how the Turaga was.
By the time they reached the main square it was midday and the Toa, Torahka and Matoran watched as Turaga Anuenue, almost shyly, glanced around at those assembled, unaware that her colours had shifted to a variety of browns.
"I know that the next few weeks will be awkward for us all. But I'm always ready to listen and help to the best of my ability." the Turaga of Colour said, her voice echoing around the square, she then smiled and told the Matoran that the midwinter festival would be going ahead.

Arriving at the remote chute station, Pohatu wasn't surprised to see that he'd missed the Kikanalo herd, "Oh well I need to have a run." he murmured quietly, rubbing his Kakama before activating it and racing into the Po-metru wilderness, heading for Keetongu's cavern.
While he ran, the Toa Nuva of Stone thought back over the things he and Onewa had talked about and done, unaware that he was crying, the tears leaving a trail before slowly evaporating into the air.

Pohatu was roughly two thirds of the way to the cavern when a sudden movement flickered at the edge of his vision just before he was sent flying by an excitedly growling calf. Startled out of his memories and scrambling to sit up as the Kikanalo calf enthusiastically washed his mask, Pohatu spluttered and glanced round as the chief rumbled curiously at him, *What ails you tall one?*
Switching to his Rau, the brown hued Toa explained while the calf tried to start the chase up again until his dam called him to feed.


While Pohatu talked with the Kikanalo chief, the others shifted closer listening intently, tears began running down his mask again until the one who liked to tease Turaga Matau shifted to stand beside him and gently licked the tears away.
Once the Toa of Stone had finished, the chief rumbled softly, the herd gradually joining in until the air around them throbbed with pulses of sound.

Sitting outside the cavern playing with some stones, Naneki and Keliana were first to heard the low rumble and they scrambled up seeking reassurance from their dam as she and Keetongu reached the cavern entrance. Hugging the cubs tightly, the adults rumbled soothingly in their tongue, reassuring their young and comforting each other, after a while Naneki whispered that he wanted to look outside.
"We will all go." Notegeku crooned gently, brushing her son's face dry before glancing at her mate and daughter, the pale green/gold cub was clinging tightly to her sire, her fur wet with tears.

Keliana's small frame shook as she wept silently burying her face against her sire's neck, holding his daughter gently, Keetongu stood up and with Notegeku beside him carrying Naneki, they left the cavern and started towards the sound of grieving Kikanalo.

~*~

"What are your plans Turaga?" Takanuva enquired when she'd finished speaking, "To do the best I can." an almost inaudible whisper reached the Toa of Light as she glanced towards Onewa's home.
Un-noticed by them, Aikane, Amaya and Kokua, Kopaka was continuing his conversation with Gali and Tahu, "I still think Aikane is right." the Toa of Water replied, watching her icy closefriend as he nodded. "I'll ask her the first chance I get."

While glancing round at those watching her, Anuenue suddenly realized that her colours had changed. "How? I didn't activate my mask. 'Maya did you?" the Turaga quietly asked while the group headed for Pohatu's, "Not me sis." came the quiet response. Pausing as she reached their brother's home, Amaya watched her brown hued sister, not realizing that Onua and Aikane were doing the same.
The Turaga of Colour had stopped and was gazing towards Onewa's home, then Kopaka gently placed his hand on her shoulder and guided Anuenue into Pohatu's.

"We'll let you know what's happening later." Onua quietly told Olcas, Hewkii and Rahal as they followed him, "And could you keep an eye out for Pohatu's return?" he added, pausing outside his brother's home.

Once the Toa, Torahka and Turaga had entered Pohatu's, the Matoran gathered to talk about what Anuenue'd said about the midwinter festival.
"It'll seem weird without the other Turaga." Kela whispered as she joined Rahal, he nodded, "I know, but it'll be a great way to honour them and Turaga Anuenue." her closefriend replied as they, Olcas and Hewkii headed for the chute station, quietly planning as they went.

~*~

Walking in the direction that the rumble had originated from, Keetongu and Notegeku were joined by Wanimua and Makeo, who circled down to land near by. The pheasant rahi chirped softly, glancing up at Keliana as she wiped her face dry, then he nodded as the golden rahi replied.

Roughly half an hour later, the small group walked round n outcrop and saw the Kikanalo herd ahead of them.
Most were still gathered around the Toa of Stone, but the calf had grown bored and was tugging his dam's tail, trying to get her to play with him.
On reaching the herd and Toa, Keetongu crouched beside Pohatu and let Keliana climb into their friend's lap, Notegeku smiled when Naneki softly chirped a question then nodded and let him down, watching as he joined his friend and sister.
As the afternoon shadows lengthened, Keetongu and Notegeku spoke with the Kikanalo chief and Anuenue's friend, while Keliana brushed her fingers over Pohatu's mask trying to make him smile.

"You should return and see how Turaga Anuenue's doing." Notegeku rumbled softly when the cubs yawned and sleepily reached for her as the dark green/gold rahi crouched beside Pohatu as he gently rocked Naneki and Keliana. "You're right, I thought that I should come and let you know." the brown hued Toa quietly replied, standing up as Keetongu and the Kikanalo chief joined them.
*Would you like a lift brown one?* the chief rumbled softly, nudging Pohatu gently in the ribs, *It's kind of you to offer, but I think someone is as tired as the cubs* the Toa replied, smiling at the calf who had curled up near by and was fast asleep.
Nodding, the Kikanalo chief rumbled his agreement, and then he and Keetongu watched as Pohatu switched to his Miru Nuva and headed for the remote chute station. After talking with the chief for a few more minutes, the healing rahi headed back to their cavern and the herd settled to rest.

Arriving at the main chute station, Pohatu listened as Olcas told him what had taken place them managed a smile, "Thank you for letting me know," he said then added, "Go and get some rest, you look exhausted." as Kela failed to stifle a yawn then blushed as Rahal and Hewkii chuckled.

While Rahal, Kela and Olcas headed for their homes, Hewkii walked with Toa Pohatu until they reached the main square then he bowed and headed for his home. "Welcome back brother." Onua said when Pohatu entered his living room, "We were just talking about the midwinter festival." Kopaka added while passing his brother some food.
Listening as he ate, Pohatu nodded as he glanced round at his brothers and sisters, Turaga Anuenue, still in shades of brown, was leaning against the arm of the couch as she blinked drowsily. "I think we should all have an early night." the Toa of Earth murmured a short while later when Pohatu went to put his empty dish in the kitchen.
Glancing round as everyone murmured in agreement, Onua scooped up the nearly asleep Turaga, "Looks like she's still recovering from the heat stroke." Gali murmured as they headed for the bedrooms.

"Think we should let Turaga Anuenue rest in the Turaga's room?" Takanuva enquired before wincing as Amaya thumped his arm, "NO! That's the last thing she needs." the rainbow hued Toa hissed angrily, then blushed as a sleepy whisper reached them, "Play nice sis and thank you." Turaga Anuenue mumbled before retuning to sleep.
Chuckling quietly, everyone entered the bedroom and settled on the beds, Onua gently placed Turaga Anuenue on the bed nearest Aikane before he got comfy on the remaining bed. Quietly they talked for a while longer, then Tahu and Kopaka dimmed the lightstones and everyone drifted into sleep.

...

Part way through the night, Pohatu woke feeling thirsty and silently headed for the kitchen to get something to quench his thirst. While he stood there, thinking of how he could help Turaga Anuenue a faint noise reached him, "Who's there?" the Toa of Stone softly asked, then when he got no reply went to see who had woken.
A movement caught his eye as he entered the hall and he moved toward it, "Sister is everything alright?" the brown hue Toa called to the Turaga as she opened the door and stepped outside. When she didn't reply, he hurried after her and as he reached the sleepwalking Turaga, she reached Onewa's and reached out to open the door. Pausing for a moment, Pohatu wondered what was happening then quickly went inside and closed the door shutting out the chill night air, before looking to see where Anuenue had gone.

Looking round anxiously, Pohatu was relieved to find that Turaga Anuenue had settled on the couch, "Sister can you hear me?" he asked softly while glancing round the living room as memories of spending time with Onewa threatened to overwhelm him. For several minutes nothing happened so he decided to fetch blankets for them, then he stifled a yelp as a glow began to form in the centre of the room, which coalesced, into the spirit of Turaga Onewa.

He glanced over to Pohatu, who closed his mouth with a snap, then Onewa raised a finger to his mouth before he turned to where Anuenue sat, her hands resting on her lap. As the spirit Turaga reached Anuenue, she slowly held her symbol-marked hand out to him.
Pohatu watched amazed as Onewa took his sister's hand in his and the glow around him shifted to surround them both. While the Toa of Stone watched in amazement, he thought he could hear Turaga Onewa speaking, but was unable to make out the words.
Several minutes passed, then Onewa gently released his sister's hand, which slipped back onto her lap, and then the Turaga of Colour relaxed onto the couch, curling up as she did.
Onewa glanced over to Pohatu as he moved to stand beside the spirit Turaga, "Anuenue will need some blankets." Onewa murmured while the glow around him began growing stronger, "I'll watch over her too." Pohatu replied managing a smile as his oldest friend chuckled quietly. "Sleep well brother." Onewa replied before he vanished into the glow, which then faded away.
Pohatu stood in thought for a few moments then went to fetch the blankets, wrapping a couple around Anuenue, he smiled as she muttered in her sleep and snuggled deeper into them. Settling back in the chair he'd picked, Pohatu wrapped the remaining blankets round his shoulders and as he drifted back to sleep his last thought was, "Who activated the lightstones?"

[Kokua aviatrix]

...

A soft noise woke the Toa of Stone and as he blinked sleep from his eyes, Pohatu realized that Turaga Anuenue was crying quietly while trying to stifle her tears. Still half asleep, he shifted to sit beside his friend and gently hugged her until she'd finished crying and dried her mask.
"When did I get here?" Anuenue enquired when she'd regained her composure and stopped hugging her brown hued brother tightly. While he explained, Pohatu fetched them something to eat and drink then, when she insisted, sat beside the Turaga of Colour.

"Sister where are you?" Aikane's voice reached Anuenue just as she and Pohatu finished eating, so while the Turaga of Colour replied, the Toa of stone took the dishes and mugs back to the kitchen.

"Can you come over? Onewa gave me a message for you." Anuenue added while she folded the blankets up and put them away before going into Onewa's bedroom. After she'd looked around the room, memories flowing through her mind, Turaga Anuenue walked over to her brother's neatly made bed where lay five rows of wrapped and labelled gifts.

"Sister, everyone's here. Are you...ah." Pohatu murmured when he saw what the Turaga of Colour was looking at. "Help me carry them through to the living room please." Anuenue murmured, glancing up at her brown hued brother.
Quietly, Pohatu scooped three of the rows leaving Turaga Anuenue to gather up the remaining six gifts, and then they returned to the living room.

Once they'd set the gifts down, the Turaga of Colour glanced around at their brothers and sisters, "These are for the midwinter festival." she said while taking a seat beside Kokua, who hugged her tightly.

"Sister, would you mind if I stay with Lewa for a while?" Kokua shyly asked while the others quietly talked about what Turaga Onewa had told their sister. "Not at all, he will need you close." Anuenue whispered, making certain no one heard her. Kokua nodded and thanked her sister just as Lewa, Malie and Solisha hurried, "It's chilly-cold." Malie signed, grinning cheekily at Kopaka. While they warmed up, the three listened as Turaga Anuenue and Pohatu told them about what had occurred the previous night.
"But what about our fellow Toa Voya and the Rahaga?" Solisha asked while Malie nodded in agreement, the Turaga smiled sadly, "I think we should let the Matoran go first and then wait for our brothers and sisters to return."
The Toa glanced at each other, while Kokua shifted closer to Lewa, then Tahu bowed to Anuenue, "That is a wise decision Turaga." he said, managing a grin when she blushed, "What now colour-sis?" Lewa asked when Anuenue stood up.

Moving to where Onua stood looking out the window, the Turaga of Colour murmured, "We head for Onu-metru." The Toa of Earth smiled sadly and bowed to her while the others prepared to leave Onewa's home.
Looking around the square, Turaga Anuenue wasn't surprised to see the Po-matoran had gathered and were waiting to hear what she had to say. Everyone then listened as Turaga Anuenue spoke, "Onewa said that everyone in this metru can pick one of his possessions and rehome it."

A murmur of astonishment echoed around the square followed by hushed chatter. Several minutes later, Hewkii, Olcas and Rahal came forward, "We all think that you should go first and we'll wait until the Toa Voya and Rahaga return." Hewkii said while his friends nodded in agreement. "So be it." Turaga Anuenue and Pohatu thanked the Matoran while their brothers and sisters headed for the chute station, Lewa and Kokua having gone ahead.

~*~

"Aikane, how's Tahu coping?" the Turaga softly asked as they journeyed through the chute towards Onu-metru, "Still bottling his feelings up. I think he's waiting to get back to Ta-metru." her violet hued sister replied. Both then glanced to where the red hued Toa was gazing out at the landscape flowing under the chute, his eyes distant and troubled. When the main station came into sight, Aikane shifted closer to Tahu and she gently squeezed his hand.
Watching her friends hug, Turaga Anuenue was jolted from her thoughts when Onua tapped her shoulder, glancing curiously up at her brother, Anuenue raised an eyebrow then glanced down at herself when he gestured to her robe.
"It's happened again!" the Turaga of Colour exclaimed, causing Aikane to hide a smile, while Gali and Amaya looked round in surprise before they exited the chute. "Wow, when did that happen?" Takanuva asked while Tehutti and Onepu bowed to them. "When we crossed the Po-metru border." Onua replied as the Turaga examined her now ebon hued form and robe curiously, "I still don't know how it's happening." Anuenue replied absently, her gaze drifting in the direction of the archives.

Pausing to let her brothers and sisters go ahead, Aikane smiled, "Father must have his reasons." she mused as Tahu glanced back at his closefriend, waiting for her to catch up. "Do you have any idea as to why Anuenue's changing colour?" the fiery Toa whispered as they followed their brothers and sisters towards the Onu-metru main square..
"Not fully, Father said I should watch over Anuenue. But didn't go into any detail." the violet hued Toa replied, slipping her arm through Tahu's just as Kopaka glanced back to see where they were. "Turaga Anuenue and Onua went on to the archives." he said when they caught up with him.

~*~

While they soared towards the coliseum, Kokua felt droplets of rain hitting her back and called out to Lewa that she would take shelter in the tower until the storm passed. "You don't mind if I quick-speed ahead?" the Toa of Air asked while the rain grew heavier as they raced for the coliseum, "Only if you..." the Torahka replied, blushing as she drew level with her closefriend, Lewa grinned and nodded.

Landing in the arena, they hugged before dashing inside the entrance hall, "I'll join you when the rain stops." Kokua reassured the lanky Toa when he asked if she'd be alright. He then hugged her again before dashing out into the rain and took off, soaring towards Le-metru.
Silently, Kokua watched him until she could no longer see her closefriend anymore before she glanced round the entrance hall. A few minutes later, Kokua wandered through to the conference room and settled on one of the couches. While she watched the rain pelting against the windows, the hybrid thought about all that Nokama had told her. Eventually, a sob escaped the Torahka and she buried her face in her arms and cried for her friends.

A gentle hand stroked Kokua's back as she wept then gently gathered the Torahka into the watcher's arms. Gulping and trying to stifle her tears, Kokua found she was now being cuddled by Rhya Nui. The dusky Great Spirit smiled and gently began wiping the tears from Kokua's face while the hybrid looked up at her in surprise.
"It'll be alright, winged singer." Rhya murmured softly when Kokua blushed when she realized that the dusky Great Spirit had her now sitting on her lap and was softly humming. "Relax, a nap will help and it is still raining." she added, brushing her hand lightly over Kokua's forehead while the hybrid tried to slip onto the couch beside Mata Nui's sister.
"But Lewa..." Kokua began to say then found she just couldn't keep her eyes open as the melody drew the grieving Torahka into dreamless sleep. Watching Kokua as she sighed and curled up in her lap, Rhya Nui finished singing and glanced over to where the gems lay.

...

"It's finally stopped raining, Kokua." Rhya's melodious voice softly roused the sleeping Torahka and as she sat up blinking drowsily she realized only a couple of hours had passed. "It got really heavy half an hour ago." the dusky Great Spirit added when the Torahka moved to stand beside her as she gazed out the windows.
"Sorry for my outburst." Kokua whispered, blushing deeply when Rhya glanced curiously at her, "It's alright, it's what everyone needs to begin healing." she replied before turning to look at the table where the gems sat. "Come over here." Rhya Nui murmured while her eyes glowed brighter and she moved towards the table. Mystified, Kokua followed the dusky Great Spirit over to the table, "Let me see your bracelet." she added after several minutes, holding her hand out.
Now totally baffled, Kokua removed her bracelet and placed it in the dusky Great Spirit's hand.

Smiling enigmatically, Rhya Nui picked up the gems then placed her hands together and as a glow formed between her palms, she watched Kokua while the light grew to cover her hands with incandescent light.

"The Turaga would like you to look after these." the dusky Great Spirit explained when the light finally faded and then she smiled gently at Kokua's wondering expression. After fastening the bracelet back around Kokua's wrist, Rhya watched as the hybrid silently examined the gems, which were now part of her bracelet. Still bemused, Kokua nodded then she stood up and bowed to the dusky Great Spirit, whom stood up and moved to join her, "Lewa's waiting for you." Rhya Nui murmured softly while they headed for the entrance.
After she'd bowed again to Rhya, Kokua was just about to spread her wings when the dusky Great Spirit suddenly raised her hand. Turning to look up at her, the Torahka was surprised when she was caught up in a hug. Tentatively Kokua hugged Rhya Nui back and managed a smile when Rhya set her back down.
"Take care winged singer." the dusky Great Spirit whispered as she watched Kokua soaring towards Le-metru, then she wrapped light around her and returned to the spirit realm.

Soaring through the chilly air, Kokua raced for Le-metru wanting to be with her closefriend more than ever. As she shot over the metru she was spotted by Speur, who, thinking his winged friend was here for fun, roared excitedly and sped after her.
Unaware of her companion, Kokua scanned the ground seeking any sign of Lewa; she then dove towards a small square having spotted a glimpse of his lanky green form. Puzzled by his friend's actions, Speur circled around a few times, then flew away to find someone else to chase.
"Featherheart." Lewa grinned as Kokua landed and hurried over to throw her arms round his shoulders, making him blush. "It was just as well you waited the storm out. I was totally soggy-wet by the time I got here." the Toa of Air explained as they walked towards his home.

As the Toa and Torahka made their way to the main square, several Matoran asked how Turaga Anuenue was doing while others insisted on showing them what they had planned for the midwinter festival.

"It still seems strange-odd." Tahchi said when he and Kongu joined Lewa and Kokua as they reached the main square, "I know." the green hued Toa murmured absently, his eyes fixed on Matau's home.
Seeing that their Toa was distracted, the Matoran murmured quietly to Kokua and when she agreed, they headed off for their homes. Turning back to her closefriend once she'd waved to her friends, Kokua was surprised to find she was standing alone as Lewa was now standing outside Matau's.
Hurrying to his side, Kokua remembered what Anuenue had whispered to her, "Beloved, the suns are setting and it's going to get colder." the hybrid said, tugging her closefriend's arm. Startled, the Toa of Air blinked as he was pulled from his memories then he managed to smile at Kokua and hid his grief as he laughed, caught her hand and they hurried into his home.
After fixing something to eat and drink, Lewa and Kokua settled in the living room and quietly talked about what had taken place at the coliseum.

They were just finishing when there was a knock at the door, surprised, Lewa went to see how was there and returned a few moments later returned with Houjin. The mint and dark green hued Matoran bowed politely before accepting a seat, "Erm I was wondering if you would like to hear-listen to something I've been working on." he muttered, flushing slightly as he glanced up at the curious Toa and Torahka.
"I'd love to." Kokua replied with a smile while Lewa nodded in agreement and perched on the arm of the couch. Taking out his portable keyboard, Houjin set it on the table.
The melody rising from the keyboard swirled around the living room and as Kokua shifted closer, enjoying the music, neither noticed as Lewa switched to his Huna and slipped out the room, heading for the bench where he and Turaga Matau used to swap jokes.

"Oh that was beautiful. Will you be playing it at the midwinter festival?" Kokua asked while Houjin began packing his keyboard away. "I think so. Did you like it Toa Lewa? " he replied, then when there was no reply both glanced around puzzled, "Toa?"
"It's alright, I'll look for him, you go and get some rest." Kokua murmured reassuringly while they headed for the front door, "Thank you. We're all feeling sad-empty and are looking forward to seeing Turaga Anuenue."
"I will let her know." the Torahka replied, hugging Houjin before watching him heading for his home.

Glancing up at the moons, Kokua shivered in the chill wind and closed the door firmly before going to see where Lewa had gone. Sighing as she spotted her closefriend sitting on the bench he'd share with Turaga Matau, Kokua sighed and went to join the mournful Toa.

" I wondered where you got to," Kokua said, sitting beside the Toa of Air. "It's cold out here, are you okay?"
"I’m sure-fine," he said in a quavering voice that didn't deceive the hybrid at all. "Just watching the stars," he added, his voice breaking slightly on the last word.
"Want some company?" Kokua asked, watching Lewa stare up at the stars in an attempt to gain control of his emotions.
"I...I, oh," he choked, suddenly burying his mask in his hands. The Toa of Air's shoulders were rigid and quivering as he tried not to let his pent up grief overcome him. Kokua sighed helplessly, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Hey, it's alright," she murmured when her closefriend tried ineffectually to stifle a sob. "Let it go, I'm here,"

Kokua stared morosely ahead as she held the lanky green Toa while he cried, unable to do anything more than offer comfort and a shoulder to cry on, as he had done for her not so long ago.
Feels like millennia ago, she thought, shivering as an icy wind rustled through the trees. Eventually Lewa's sobs faded and he sat up, rubbing his puffy eyes with a watery smile.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled embarrassedly. "I've needed to do that for a while,"
"It's alright," Kokua said again, rubbing her own eyes. "I guess it takes a while to sink in that they're just not there anymore,"
"Tell me about it," Lewa said softly, catching a hold of Kokua's hand. "I woke up this morning, fully expecting one of Matau's booby traps to fall on my head,"
"I know, I’m still expecting to see Nokama working in her garden in the afternoons...then I realise she's gone, she'll -" Kokua stared at the sky, blinking back tears. "You've started me off now," she muttered darkly.
"I didn't mean to," the Toa of Air said, moving to hug her. The Torahka smiled and huddled against him.
"Mind if we go inside? I'm freezing out here,"
Lewa chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and leading her inside.

...

Kokua was curled up on the sofa with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders when Lewa reappeared, carrying two mugs with a dark brown liquid in them.
"Try this," he said, handing her one and sitting next to her. He pulled a blanket around his own shoulders and smiled as Kokua took a curious sip from the mug.
"It's wonderful," she said smiling "What is it?"
"Something Matau was working on with Ferinus," he said, taking a long drink from his own mug. "They were trying to grow some sort of tree with beans on it - I think Anuenue said it was called choc - something, I can't remember exactly,"
Kokua yawned widely, finishing her drink.
"It's made me sleepy," she jokingly complained, snuggling closer to Lewa, who put his arm around her shoulders.
"I suppose you're going to use me as a soft-pillow again?" he teased, yawning himself, Kokua nodded with a tired, yet mischievous smile.
"But you're so comfortable," she murmured in a barely audible voice, resting her head on his shoulder. Lewa smiled, softly humming the tune to an old song he knew. Minutes later, his own eyes fluttered shut.

~*~

Waking part way through the night and feeling strangely restless, Gaaki left the room and went up on deck to watch the stars. Moving out of the glow of the lightstones for a clearer view she lent against the railing. "It's been an amazing, if shortened trip. But it'll be good to return to Metru Nui." she thought, watching some wispy clouds blowing across the sky, illuminated by the moon.
"Hey there." Pouks said, coming up behind Gaaki and wrapping his arms around her waist. Gaaki smiled and lent back against him, "I thought you were asleep." she grinned, resting her head on his shoulder and gazing up at the stars. "I thought about it...But it was too pretty up here." Pouks laughed, gently poking the blue Rahaga in the ribs.
"It is pretty," she replied, still watching the sky, "I wish we could see our stars."
"Still shining brightly on the other side of the world." Pouks smiled, "I wish I could see them too."

Gaaki smiled again, "It's still beautiful up there though, I..." the words died in the Rahaga's throat as she noticed seven stars twinkle dimly before winking out one by one.
"What's up?" Pouks asked worriedly as Gaaki started trembling. "Look." she whispered, pointing to the area where the Turaga's spirit stars had, until moments ago, shone, "Wh...Oh no...they've gone," the Rahaga of Stone gasped, "I...Anuenue...is she..."
"H-her star still shines." Gaaki whispered, pointing to where it glowed.

She turned to her closefriend and tried to smile, "Wake me up." she asked, biting her lip furiously.
Pouks held his closefriend tightly as she began weeping, staring up at the area where one star twinkled in disbelief, until thick clouds coved it. He then realized that the wind was staring to grow in strength, "We've got a storm coming, Gaaki. Come on!"

Swiftly the Rahaga went to rouse the others while Kai lashed the wheel firmly in place before using a couple of lightstones to signal Nixie.

On the second boat, Lerihua was clinging onto the doorframe tightly as he swiftly turned pale and his mask green. "You got any of that draught left?" Tein'a asked while Sheranu, Norik, Iruini, Kualus and Macku dashed on deck to prepare the boat.
"J-just taken the last." the Toa Voya of Stone whispered, closing his eyes as a violent movement shook the boat. "Easy bro." Tein'a murmured, quickly moving to support Lerihua as he stumbled, his mask now a ghastly shade.

Just then Sheranu shouted for them to come and help, "I need your help!" the icy Toa retorted as Lerihua fell to his knees, his copper hues now the same colour as his mask.
Jumping down the stairs to where his brothers were, Tein'a now rubbing Lerihua's back, the malachite hued Toa nodded and swiftly crouched on Lerihua's free side, while glancing an apology at Tein'a as he switched masks. The icy Toa had also switched masks while the boat swayed, bucked and heaved in the growing swell.

Carefully they all but dragged the unwell Toa to his feet and practically carried him into their quarters before assisting him into his hammock. "Ohhh....please knock me out!" Lerihua moaned while they made certain he wouldn't fall out, "Alright bro." Tein'a replied, as he and Sheranu activated their Komau and coaxed the seasick Toa into sleep.
"Rotten-bad luck to run out of that draught." Sheranu muttered as he and Tein'a hurried on deck to assist the Rahaga and Matoran finish preparing for the rapidly approaching storm.


~*~

When they reached the archives and paused to watch the rain Anuenue sighed, "We never did finish talking about crocodiles. When Whenua said he didn't have much time I thought he meant he had a load of work." she whispered, rubbing her mask furiously.

The Toa of Earth said nothing but gently hugged his grieving sister until she regained control, "Let's go and visit Whenua's favourite areas." he said as Anuenue finished drying her mask and smiled slightly when Taipu and Garan, who'd joined them offered to be their guides.
"Thank you so much." the Turaga of Colour softly replied, absently brushing her hand over the flower which glowed against the sable of her robe.
While Toa and Turaga walked with Garan and Taipu, they quietly talked with the Matoran whom paused in what they were doing, several broke into tears and were gently comforted by the Turaga of Colour as she hugged them, her own mask damp with tears.
Eventually Onua and Anuenue returned to the main hall and sat on a bench to rest, "We should head for my home, it's getting late." the Toa of Earth murmured as they watched the Matoran heading for their homes

The Turaga of Colour nodded, then followed her brother outside, the late afternoon sunlight was managing to paint the clouds fiery shades of red.
"More rain to come." she murmured absently then suddenly giggled, "Remember the look on Whenua's mask when Wotzit charged through the puddles soaking everyone around him."
Onua nodded then switched to his Kakama and lifted Anuenue up as they started for his home while the rain began again, avoiding most of the puddles and snickering as they raced through some towards the Toa of Earth's home.


Reaching the square just as the rain grew heavy, Onua paused under the eves of Whenua's home and set Turaga Anuenue down, "Do you want to go in just now or wait?" the Toa of Earth asked softly as the rain drummed against the roof.
Watching the droplets splashing in the puddles, the Turaga of Colour sighed, "It's not time yet, " she then glanced up at her ebon hued brother and chuckled softly, "And Gali says our meal's getting cold."
Quickly the Toa and Turaga dashed the short distance to his home and joined their brothers and sisters.

Having finished eating, Anuenue quietly took her dish and mug into the kitchen before anyone could offer, then as she rejoined Tahu and Aikane on the couch glanced towards the windows.
"Apart from Onua, do you need any one else to come, Turaga?" Solisha murmured softly while the Toa watched Anuenue as she brushed a hand over the lightstone shards on her staff.

After several minutes, the Turaga of Colour shook her head and sighed, "It's kind of you to ask sister, but I feel it should just be Onua who accompanies me." she whispered glancing up at the young Water Toa.
"Someone want-needs a hug." Malie 'said' catching Tahu's eye, the fiery Toa nodded and gently placed a arm around Turaga Anuenue's shoulders, she lent gratefully against him for a few moments then sat up and thanked him before standing up.
Moving to stand beside Onua, Turaga Anuenue glanced around at her brothers and sisters, "It will be all right." she said reassuringly, even though she wasn't sure herself.
When they had left, Kopaka glanced at the remaning Toa Nuva then sat beside Gali, "I'm going to tell her tomorrow."
The Toa of Water just sighed, catching Aikane looking over to them, "We're all still in grief and spirits know how our sister will react." the Toa of Twilight silently replied, a distant look in her eyes, to Gali's concerned comment about her closefriends' decision.



While the Toa settled in the spare bedrooms, Onua and Anuenue had settled on the couch in Whenua's living room, tucked up in blankets with hot drinks, quietly waiting to see what would happen.

"Onua, what should I do with the gifts I'd made them for the midwinter celebration?" the Turaga of Colour whispered as she placed her mug down and peered at her brother, her eyes sorrowful and glistening with unshed tears.
"Come here." the Toa of Earth murmured kindly as his ebon hued sister gazed up at him, the tears beginning to run down her mask and Turaga Anuenue shifted closer and lent against Onua.

While he held her tightly rocking Anuenue as she wept, Onua felt his own mask growing wet, and while attempting to dry his Pakari the ebon hued Toa realized they had company.
"Sister, Whenua's here." Onua murmured before glancing at her, the Turaga of Colour was already gazing at her brother while wiping her mask and trying to smile.
"Black shows Nuju's flower off well." Whenua said gently while he drew closer to the couch, then when Onua let Anuenue sit up the Turaga of Earth placed his hands around Anuenue's symbol marked hand.

"You will do well, sister." Whenua smiled letting go of her hand and stepping back, the glow around him beginning to grow brighter as she and Onua watched, "Rest well both of you." Whenua said as the glow enveloped him and both disappeared.
"Should we go back to mine?" Onua enquired as he watched his quiet sister, who was deep in thought.
"Uh, no it's late and we'd only disturb them," Anuenue replied with a deep yawn, "I'm comfy here." she added, cuddling against her brother's side.
Before Onua could reply, a soft murmuring told him that the Turaga of Colour had fallen asleep and was dreaming, gently he rearranged the blanket covering her then carefully got comfortable and dimmed the lightstones.

~*~

"Aikane wake up." Nokama's gentle voice roused the sleeping Toa and while she sat up rubbing her eyes, Aikane focused on her friend, Vakama, Raigi and Nahele.
"What is it?" the violet hued Toa asked curiously, glancing around the meadow, "I thought you should look-see how the Rahaga, Toa Voya and Matoran are." Nahele grinned while forming a window of light.
Curious about what she'd see, Aikane shifted to sit beside the spirit Toa, "They're on their way back." Vakama murmured as he joined Nokama and Raigi to watch the image.
"Gaaki and Pouks were on deck when our spirit stars went out, so they Bomonga know." Nokama added softly as everyone watched the boats fighting against the stormy weather.
"Oh sister." Aikane whispered, moving to hug the unhappy Turaga of Water, "They will arrive back in two days. It would have been sooner but for the fierce storm they're in." Raigi commented.
"Storms, poor Leri!" Aikane replied as she glanced at the image again, "Yeah, they had to use their Komau again." Matau's cheery voice rang out as he joined them.
"He ran out of the draught very quickly." Vakama added while Matau hugged Nokama and Nahele dismissed the image, "Thank you for showing me this, Anuenue is worrying herself sick about breaking the news to them." Aikane murmured, leaning against the malachite Toa, her eyes slowly closing as she fell asleep.
Gently the Turaga helped Nahele place Aikane onto the grass then watched her spirit return back to her body, "Come on sister, we can't really do any more." Vakama murmured while Matau helped Nokama up and hugged her.
Still looking unhappy, the Turaga of Water nodded, "I know, it's just..." she whispered, her hand firmly in Matau's, the others nodded as they left the meadow to join their brothers and sisters.

…

The day dawned bright and chilly and those staying at Onua's had finished eating by the time he and Turaga Anuenue joined them with the gifts from Whenua in a bag.
"I'll take them to the coliseum." the Toa of Earth commented accepting a dish and mug from Tahu, while Anuenue had thanked Gali and was sipping her drink while nodding at Onua's comment.
"Sister, I've been thinking and I think the Toa Nuva should become Turaga to help give you support." Kopaka suddenly spoke, moving to crouch in front of the couch where the Turaga of Colour sat.
"UH OH!" Amaya's silent exclamation reached Gali and Aikane while Malie caught Solisha's arm anxiously as Turaga Anuenue blinked, shocked by the Toa of Ices' suggestion.
Several moments of silence followed, then there was a tremendous clatter as the dish and mug hit Kopaka at full force knocking him back while Anuenue’s' mask activated with a blinding glow, her eyes flashing with grief, shock and anger.
"No! Not while I breathe!" she screamed then before the others could intercept her, the distraught Turaga ran out of Onua's weeping bitterly.
While everyone stared at each other in shock the sound of a Quarter-staff being smacked into a palm echoed around the living room.
"I told you it was a bad idea." Aikane muttered, glaring at the stunned multi coloured Ice Toa, before going to look for her sister, Malie close behind the annoyed violet Toa.
Eventually Onua gave Kopaka a had up and let Gali help her closefriend to the couch, "Any idea where Turaga Anuenue will go?" Solisha asked Onua as he joined her at the doorway.
"None, Amaya can you reach Anuenue?" the Toa of Earth enquired turning to where Takanuva was comforting her, the rainbow hued Toa shook her head, "She won't answer."
All this time Kopaka had said nothing, just stared at his garishly coloured hands in shock, then he sighed, "Not such a good idea after all." the whisper reached Gali, who shook her head as the Toa of Ice glanced up.
"I'll make it up to her somehow." he added, standing up and moving with Gali to join Onua and Solisha watching at the door.

Not caring where she was going the Turaga of Colour ran until she was gasping for breath.
Leaning against the nearest bench Anuenue tried to stop the tears as she thought about why her icy brother had said what he'd said.
Several minutes passed, then she slowly became aware of someone tugging her arm, still rubbing her mask Anuenue looked up into Onepu's worried eyes.
"Turaga, you're cold. Please come and get warm." the Matoran insisted, tugging her arm again, meekly the Turaga of Colour let Onepu lead her into his and didn't object when he sat her down and wrapped several blankets around her before going to get a hot drink.
"Sister, where are you?" Aikane's call reached Anuenue while she sipped the sweetened drink Onepu had gently bullied her into taking.
"Onepu's." the barely audible whisper reached the violet Toa as she and Malie made enquiries at the archives, glancing over to where the mute Toa was looking around anxiously then smiled as Aikane beckoned to him.
"Let the others know." Aikane said then smiled when Malie ‘commented,’ "Just as well Kokua wasn't here." Aikane nodded; "You'd better all start for Ta-metru, Anuenue and I will catch up." she added then watched as Malie started for Onua's before heading for Onepu's home.

Everyone glanced over at Malie when he entered Onua's and watched as he 'told' then what Aikane had said, "That's a good idea, let's go." Tahu said while Gali and Pohatu quietly talked with Kopaka before they followed Onua and Takanuva while Amaya and Solisha glanced anxiously in the direction Malie pointed.
Several Matoran looked up, surprised by the colours covering Kopaka, but kept quiet and headed for their work areas. Arriving at the chute station, the Toa glanced round looking hopefully for their sisters.
"Guess we'll have to wait in Ta-metru." the Toa of Fire muttered, looking uncomfortable, "Hey we're here bro." Solisha whispered while their brothers went on ahead, leaving them, Onua and Malie standing there. Thanks Solis." Tahu managed a smile when she hugged him and Malie pretended to look annoyed, before entering the chute for Ta-metru.

Arriving at Onepu's, Aikane paused to catch her breath, then tapped on the door. Several moments later, Onepu peered out and smiled while pulling the door wider and invited her in.
Following the Matoran into his living room, Aikane saw the Turaga of Colour gazing deeply into the mug she held, then as she settled beside her sister, the violet hued Toa accepted the offer of a hot drink.
"Hey sis, it's alright." Aikane whispered as she gently rubbed Anuenue's shoulders, "I've got something to tell you." she silently added before accepting the mug Onepu held out to her.

"I've got to go and help Tehutti with more tables for the coliseum." Onepu said when Aikane set her mug down after a mouthful then pulled Anuenue closer. "We won't hold you back, thank you for the drinks." the Toa of Twilight replied as the Turaga shifted to lean against her while rubbing at her damp mask. Onepu nodded, bowed and headed off, quietly pulling the door closed behind him.
"Oh sister, I'm sorry." Anuenue whispered, trembling as Aikane hugged her tightly, "It's alright. I now you're having it tough. It was bad timing on Kopaka's part." she replied before telling Anuenue what she'd seen last night.
Stunned, the Turaga of Colour gazed up at her sister while she finished her drink, "T-they know...poor Gaaki." Anuenue whispered, brushing fresh tears from her mask.

"And the others?" she asked several minutes later, Aikane sighed, "I'm not certain, it depends on if they were able to talk with the other Rahaga before the storm hit them." Turaga Anuenue nodded and glanced round Onepu's living room as she finished her drink.
"I'd better sort Kopaka's colour out." she then murmured, a faint blush evident on her mask when she looked up at her sister. Aikane chuckled softly as she finished her drink, "A few more minutes will not do any harm. But we should go, Tahu will be fretting." the Turaga of Colour nodded as they rinsed their mugs then departed Onepu's.

"Miru or Kakama, sis?" Aikane said, offering her sister a hand climbing onto a bench, "Kakama I think," Turaga Anuenue replied, wrapping her arms around her sister's neck, "Tahu will need you." she added when Aikane switched masks and started for Ta-metru.