Time Disruption



Time Disruption was an epic on Bzpower, written by Bzp member xccj. It was very popular and has 63 chapters. This story tells about the adventures of Takua, Jaller, Macku, Hewkii, Hahli and Nuparu after reality twists into a nasty one...

Prologue
The legend of Bionicle has gone on for as long as anybody could remember. It began long ago, in the before time. The great spirit Mata-Nui came down from paradise to care for all living things. The islanders worshiped him, and in return, they named their island home "Mata-Nui." For many years, they lived in peace. But Mata-Nui was followed by his evil brother, Makuta. Makuta was jealous of what Mata-Nui had, and he wished to take it from him. Mata-Nui and Makuta fought in a great struggle, but Makuta cast a spell, that made Mata-Nui sleep. The Makuta was free to spread his darkness, and spread it he did.

Yet the islanders did not give up faith in the legend of the Bionicle. This legend foretold the arrival of six mighty heroes, who represent the elements, who would free the island from the might of Makuta.

To do this, the six Toa stones needed to be found. One brave Matoran traveled throughout the island, searching for the Toa stones, so he could unite them and summon the Toa. He was victorious, and the Toa came. Tahu, Gali, Lewa, Kopaka, Onua, and Pohatu, representing each village, arrived on the island. They collected six Kanohi Masks of Power each, which games them special powers. They fought Makuta's beasts, the Rahi, and protected their villagers, the Matoran. Then, when they had all their masks, they each received a golden Kanohi, and descended into the Kini-Nui, to confront Makuta once and for all.

In the depths of the Magania, Makuta's layer, the Toa united to form the Toa Kaita, two mighty heroes made from three Toa. The Toa Kaita defeated Makuta's final guardians, the Manas, and then faced Makuta. The Toa, using their elemental powers, defeated Makuta, ending his reign over the island.

In his last, desperate move, Makuta released the Bohrok, insect like creatures with only one goal: to remove everything on the island to make it as it was in the before time. The Bohrok came in six swarms, and were controlled by krana. The Toa again had to protect their villages, and collect eight krana from each breed. With their krana, the Toa descended into the Bohrok's nest, where they would meet the ultimate challenge. Using the krana, the Toa unlocked great shields of armor, known as the Exo Toa. Using these, they faced the greatest foe of all, the Bahrag, the twin rulers of the Bohrok swarm. The Toa were forced to combine their elemental powers, and trap the Bahrag in a cage of pure protodermis. However, they were submerged in protodermis, and changed forever. They became Toa Nuva, more powerful than they had ever been before.

The Toa Nuva believed they had won peace for their island, but they were mistaken. Six Bohrok Kal emerged, each wielding their own amazing elemental powers. The Kal's mission was to find the Bahrag, and free the Bohrok swarms once again. They stole the Toa Nuva's symbols, and that stole the Toa's elemental powers too. The Toa were now powerless, left relying only on their Kanohi mask of power. And even their Kanohi were no match for the Kal's amazing powers.

It looked like Mata-Nui was finished. But the Toa still kept faith, and teamed up again to go after the Bohrok Kal. Aiding them, were six Matoran, who were certain that they would aid their Toa in any way possible. But how could any one defeat the might of the Bohrok Kal?

The Toa would have to rely on the powers of an amazing mask of power. One mask that could alter reality, and bring an end to everything.

Chapter 1
The six Toa Nuva teamed up again near the Kini-Nui. Along with them were six faithful Matoran. There was Jala, the captain of the Ta-Koran guard. There was Maku, the fastest canoe racer on the island, and her friend Hahli, both from the watery village of Ga-Koro. There was also Huki, the famed Koli champion of Po-Koro, and Nuparu of Onu-Koro, the engineer who had invented the boxer. Along with them was Takua, the Chronicler of Mata-Nui.

These six Matoran friends were ready to help their Toa in any way possible. They had no idea what was in store for them.

"I saw the Pahrak Kal come this way," Pohatu said. "The krana Onua and I got from that Tahnok Kal said that they have found the Bahrag, and we're ready to unleash them."

"We shall not let them free the Bahrag," said Tahu. "We will stop them."

"But how?" asked Gali. "We lack our powers, and our Kanohi Nuva are no use against their powers."

"We'll find a way, Gali," Lewa reassured her. "Nobody is unbeatable. We must find their weaknesses."

"If they really do have any," said Kopaka, glancing around. "I see a hole over there, where the next use to be. I'm guessing the Kal went down it."

"Then let us hurry, before it's too late!" Tahu said. He turned to the Matoran. "You should stay up here, little ones. It shall be dangerous down there."

"I said I will aid you, no matter what!" said Jala proudly. He took out his sword. "And I shall aid you to the end!"

Tahu gazed at Jala with pride. "Okay, come then, but be careful. These Kal are powerful."

The Matoran followed the Toa. Jala put away his prized sword. It had been given to him by Tahu a while ago, before the Toa had lost his elemental powers of fire. The sword was just like Tahu's old one, and contained a piece of Tahu's own elemental powers. When Jala held it, it would light up with the flames, and remind Jala of his Toa. It was his most prized possession, which he took with him everywhere.

His friend, Takua, had many more prized possessions that he took with him. Takua was possibly the most famous Matoran ever. In the days of Makuta, he had traveled the island and helped whenever he could. He is known for helping save Ga-Koro once from a Tarakava, helping free the Le-Korans from a Nui-Rama hive, and leading a group of Matoran to defend the Kini-Nui from Rahi while the Toa battled Makuta. Takua was also present at Makuta's defeat and the awakening of the Bohrok. He has been crisoned the Chronicler of Mata-Nui.

In his travels, he had picked up many things. He had a lightstone he'd gotten from Nokama, a chisel he had been given by Onewa, a flute given to him by Matau, and a lava surf board given to him by Vakama, plus his Episode Book, that Nokama had also given him. In this book, he was able to store him memories of all his battles, and he could review them often. This book recorded much of the history of Mata-Nui, going through the Makuta's reign and the Bohrok swarms.

To Jala's other side was Hahli. As they walked towards the Kini-Nui, Jala took Hahli's hand. Hahli and Jala had always liked each other since they had met, long ago. But this liking for each other had increased much after they defeated the Bohrok at Ga-Koro. Jala had taken some guards to Ga-Koro to protect them from the Pahrak. Hahli had helped in fighting off the Bohrok beside Jala, and they had been very close ever sense.

Behind Jala and Hahli were Huki and Maku, who were much closer. Maku and Huki had liked each other for as long as they could remember. Huki was a master Koli player in Po-Koro, and nobody could beat him at his sport. With him, he carried his disc and his favorite Koli ball. Maku, from Ga-Koro, was a master at canoeing. She always liked to play jokes on Huki, which mostly involved getting him wet. Huki hates water, but Maku loves it. However, this difference doesn't keep them apart.

The last Matoran was Nuparu. Nuparu was the smartest engineer from Onu-Koro. He had created the Boxer, a machine made out of Bohrok parts that could hold off the swarms for a while. This invention was what helped save Mata-Nui from the Bohrok. On his journeys to defend other villages from the swarms, Nuparu had come to know Takua, and a great friendship had grown. Nuparu carried with his all his mining equipment, and he could make anything with his stuff if he had some supplies to work with.

These six Matoran had been ready to help the Toa on their journey to find the Kal. They knew the Toa were powerful, but they also needed all the help they could get. Lacking their elemental powers, the Toa Nuva were weaker than normal. The Matoran were determined to help at any chance they could.

So the Toa and the Matoran came upon the hole Kopaka had found. It looked like someone had blasted into the hillside with lava.

"The Pahrak Kal's work," muttered Pohatu. "His plasma powers melted through the rock and into the nest."

"Let's go down," said Tahu. "Lewa, use you mask of levitation to slow our fall. Also make sure the Matoran don't fall too quickly either."

"No problem!" said Lewa, activation his mask. The Toa leapt into the darkness, followed by the Matoran. Once on the ground, the Toa prepared for action. But there wasn't anything different about the nest area. Except…

"That hole," Tahu said, pointing. "The Pahrak Kal again. He melted through the floor to go down further. But to where?"

"The edges are still hot," said Kopaka. "We aren't far behind."

"Lewa, you're the best at moving quietly," Onua said. Lewa nodded.

"I understand. I'll scout ahead." Lewa assured everybody.

"Be careful, Lewa," Gali warned him. "There could be anything down there."

Lewa disappeared down the hole, and the other Toa waited. Suddenly, Lewa popped up again.

"It's the Exos!" he exclaimed. "Their fighting off the Kal, but they're losing. We need to hurry, because they're about to unlock the Bahrag!"

"Quick, let's go!" Tahu shouted, and the Toa all dropped down the hole. They landed in a new cavern, and gasped at what they saw. Exo parts lay strewn throughout the cavern, and in one side there was a cage of pure protodermis, and within it were the Bahrag. The Toa watched as each Bohrok Kal touched the Bahrag with a Krana Kal Xa, and then turned to a cube that hovered in the center of the cavern.

"Now's the time," the Gahlok Kal said.

"We shall place the Nuva symbols on each side of this cube, and free the Queens!" the Nuhvok Kal said.

"Do it, free the Bahrag!" cried the Kohrak Kal.

The Kal took out the Nuva symbols, and prepared to snap them on the cube. Lewa shouted.

"They are so absorbed in their task that they are ignoring us, but that is not to last!"

"Even with our full power, I do not think we can stop them!" Tahu shouted.

"We must try Tahu!" said Kopaka.

"There must be something we can do!" Tahu cried. Then he stopped.

"Wait, there is. Something I hoped I would never have to do… something that could mean the end of everything. I call upon…"

Tahu's mask started morphing into a new shape.

"The Vahi, the mask of time!" Tahu shouted.

Chapter 2
"Tahu," Lewa gasped. "Is that the…?"

"Yes," Tahu answered grimly. "It's the Vahi, the mask of time."

"Them you may have just doomed us all." Gali said sullenly.

"But Gali, I must do it," Tahu said. "It is the only way."

"Then do it," Kopaka shouted. "Before they get any further!"

The Kal were just about to place the Nuva symbols on the cube. But suddenly, Tahu activated his mask, and the Kal stopped. Literally, time slowed down around them, and they didn't move at all.

"Get your symbols," Tahu stammered. "I cannot hold time much longer."

The two strongest Toa, Onua and Pohatu, raced forward. They came in contact with the Kal at the last minute. Within seconds, the symbols were removed, and back in the Toa's hands.

"NO!" cried the Bahrag in the background. They had been so close to getting free.

"We won!" gasped Pohatu. He flung the symbols to the other Toa, away from the Kal. All the Toa now felt their powers come back to them.

"We won!" shouted Takua with the other Matoran. They stood behind the Toa. "We beat the Kal."

Tahu gasped, and freed the Kal from the Vahi's grip. The Kal were now free, and gasping in surprise.

"We were so close!" wailed the Lehvak Kal.

"You failed us, you fools!" Cahdok screamed. Suddenly, she caught sight of Tahu's mask. "Wait, the Vahi. That mask can undo the time and space continuum! It can undo everything, even reality itself!"

"What can we do?" asked the Tahnok Kal.

"Destroy Tahu!" the Bahrag cried in unison.

"No!" the other Toa shouted. But it was too late.

The Tahnok Kal blasted electricity towards the Toa Nuva of Fire. It was enough. Tahu was protected by his Hau Nuva mask, but this blast caught him off guard. His mind slipped, and he lost control of the mask. Soon, all of reality was swirling about.

"No!" shouted Gali. "He's lost control!"

"Remove that mask," shouted Kopaka, racing towards the Toa of Fire.

"It's too late!"

The Vahi had freed the Bahrag. Their protodermis cage exploded and turned to a liquid. The six Matoran were bathed in protodermis.

"You have failed," the Bahrag sneered. They lashed out at the Toa. "And now we shall control the mask of time. We shall make things right!"

Everything was swirling out of control. Reality was being undone. Takua opened his eyes, which stung from the protodermis. He watched as everything spun out of control. The Toa were torn apart, and the Bahrag towered above all.

"We shall make things right!"

Then everything went black.

Chapter 3
Takua groaned, and rolled over. He opened his eyes to the desolate land.

"Where am I?" he muttered, and rolled over. At his side was Jala, who was also awakening.

"Where are we?" Takua asked himself. "What happened?"

"Where are the Toa?" asked Jala, looking around.

The memories flashed in front of Takua's eyes. He remembered the Toa attacking the Bohrok Kal, and getting their symbols back. But they had done something to Tahu, who had been wearing a strange mask. It was called the Vahi.

"That mask?" cried out Takua. "That mask Tahu was wearing. What was it?"

"The Vahi?" asked Jala. "The mask of time."

"The mask of… what?" Takua asked in surprise. "There's a mask of time?"

"Yeah, I remember hearing about it once, probably from Vakama," said Jala. "It's a very dangerous mask. It slows down your opponent for you. That's what Tahu did. But the Bahrag did something else, and freed themselves."

"How?" Takua asked again. "The symbols never touched that cube. So, technically, they shouldn't be free."

"Who knows what's going on," Jala said. "How about questions like this: Where are we? And how did we get here?"

"That's the Magani volcano," Takua said, pointing to the mountain in the distance. "So we were probably blown out of the nest. But… that would mean we'd be in Ta-Koro. And this isn't like Ta-Koro at all!"

Jala closed his eyes, and concentrated, trying to remember the topography of the land nearby his village. "If I'm right, Ta-Koro should be… over there. Behind that ridge."

"But everything around here is so… dark. And dead looking," Takua said, with an uneasy feeling. "You don't suppose the blast destroyed the land?"

"Even if it did, Ta-Koro would still be fine," Jala reassured Takua. "Turaga Vakama would keep everybody safe. Now, let's get to that ridge."

The two friends eagerly jogged up to the ridge. They expected to look over it and see the glorious lava lake, with the Ta-Koran island in the center of it. They expected to see the many Matoran huts, and the great walls of the village. Instead, they saw something they never wish they'd seen.

"No!" cried Takua, putting his hands to his face. "NO, it can't be! This isn't right!"

The island of Ta-Koro was bare, except for one little tunnel that led to some underground cavern. The only physical feature on the island was Tahu's Suva. But, the Suva that was normally well polished and everything, was now charred and broken. All that remained of it was a hump that was left on the ground.

"This can't be Ta-Koro, it just can't!" Jala sobbed.

"Wait, look," Takua said.

A line of Ta-Korans appeared, walking across the land bridge to the island. The Matoran looked as if they were shackled together, and they all looked very depressed. Leading them was one Matoran, who stood tall. But on either side of this line were Tahnok, the fire Bohrok. The Tahnok looked like they were there to keep the Matoran in line, as if the Matoran were their prisoners. And, when the end of the line came into view, the two friends saw the scariest sight of all. A red creature, slightly larger than a Toa. It had spikes on it's back, and long, slender legs. The feet were huge, and the head gave off soft, deadly hisses. The two arms carried a staff, which glowed blood red at times.

This group of Matoran, Bohrok, and the other creature went down the tunnel on the island. They left Takua and Jala feeling hopeless.

"What is this?" Jala squeaked. "The Bohrok, and… something else are now controlling the Matoran?"

"You!"

The voice was sharp and commanding, but it came only from a Matoran. The Matoran came up behind Jala and Takua, and glared at them.

"What are you two doing here?" he growled. "Shouldn't you be carrying your lava!"

"What are you talking about?" asked Jala. "And who are you?"

"I am Makahi," the Matoran answered. "Task manager of Patrol H. What are you two doing up here?"

"Looking at Ta-Koro," Takua answered. "What happened to it?"

"If you're referring to the prison island as 'Ta-Koro', then nothings happened to it," Makahi sneered. "It's been that way since the before time."

"What are Bohrok doing down there?" Takua asked. "And what was that other… creature. The tall one with spikes?"

The Matoran sighed, and was growing impatient. "You two are really stupid, it seems. How do you expect the Queens to look over us if not for their sons?"

"Queens?" gulped Jala nervously.

The Matoran sighed again. "Yes. The rulers of this island. Makuta and the Bohrok Queens, the Bahrag. The Queens have their sons, the Tahnok, watch us, while Makuta has his son, Turahk the Rahkshi, to lead us."

"Makuta and the Bahrag rule the island!" squeaked Takua.

Jala, on the other hand, got defensive. "We don't need any son of Makuta to lead us! What ever happened to Vakama!"

Makahi looked confused. "Vakama?"

"Yes, Vakama," said Jala. "The Turaga that had led us Ta-Korans through thick and thin. And what about Tahu? How did he let these guys come about?"

"We have never heard of 'Vakama' or 'Tahu'," stated Makahi. "Maybe you two are just cracking up."

"You don't know who Vakama is?" Jala asked, astonished. Then, in a more fearful tone, he added, "You don't know who Tahu is!"

"Never heard of them," Makahi said. "I just know you two should be working, and not asking stupid questions."

"Working?" asked Takua. "What work?"

Makahi sighed a third time. His patience was growing thin. "Look, the Onu-Korans mine the protodermis, the Po-Koran carve the buckets out of protodermis, and the Ta-Korans haul the buckets full of lava up to the Kini-Nui. It's how we pay tribute to our leaders. Now, I don't know which patrol you're suppose to be in, but you're in mine for today. Patrols D and F messed up today, and their stairways collapsed. So they're stuck rebuilding them. And it's up to the rest of us to keep a schedule, plus we need to make up for the lava they aren't bringing. If we don't bring enough, the Makuta and Bahrag get angry. When they get angry, the Turahk gets angry at me. And if I'm in trouble, you'll be in even worst trouble! So get your buckets and haul that lava! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!"

"We don't haul tribute to Makuta, or the Bahrag," Takua said.

"You don't, do you?" snarled Makahi. "Well, welcome to reality, little one. I want to see you hauling a bucket full of lava in five minutes. Is that clear!"

The two friends said not a word to each other as Makahi gave them each a protodermis bucket. They walked down to the lava to fill them up.

"This can't be right," Jala said, as they walked down to the nearby lava river. "Makuta and the Bahrag in control, the Toa nowhere to be seen, and Vakama not here. Where is this place."

Takua was deep in thought, but then he suddenly got the idea. "That guy just said 'Welcome to reality!'"

"Yeah, good that you just processed that," said Jala dully.

"No, not that," Takua said. "Those Bahrag said earlier that the Vahi could undo all reality. Tahu lost control of it, and look what happened! Reality has been undone. Makuta and the Bahrag rule, the Toa aren't here, and we're giving them lava as tribute!"

"That Vahi did this to us," said Jala in amazement. "But, why would we remember, if all of reality came undone? Shouldn't we think this is all normal? But that Makahi didn't remember anything from our time."

"We were splashed in protodermis," Takua answered. "Maybe that's why we remember. That protodermis is some stuff, capable of many things."

"Yeah," said Jala, who was filling his bucket with lava. "Protodermis must be the only stuff that can hold lava. Lucky for us."

"But if we remember…" Takua said. "Then maybe the other's remember it too."

"You mean…" Jala said. "Hahli? Maku, Huki, and Nuparu?"

"I bet so," said Takua.

"But this means," Jala said. "That we're the only ones on Mata-Nui who know what's going on!"

"And possibly the Bahrag and Makuta themselves," Takua added.

"This is bad, Takua," Jala said. "This is really bad. What are we going to do?"

Makahi shouted down to them. "What are you nitwits doing! We're waiting for you. Get up here now or we'll be late."

"I guess we have to go with them," muttered Takua. He lifted his bucket. "Owe, that's really hot!"

"Yes, it is," Makahi yelled down. "If you don't get up here this instant, you'll be feeling how hot that lava river is next!"

"Oh man," Jala groaned.

Chapter 4
Jala and Takua stood in line with the other Matoran. They were all lined up according to patrols. Jala and Takua were now part of Patrol H. Looking over, they saw the beaten Matoran of Patrols D and F. Takua remembered that those two patrols were the ones who were having extra trouble today.

Jala and Takua had never gone through a worst day. They had done trip after trip from the lava rivers to the Kini-Nui. There, they just dropped their lava down this tube, that went deep underground. The work was backbreaking, and the heat from the lava had been intense. Jala and Takua could not see how any Matoran could do that every day.

Now, all ten patrols were waiting in line for the end of the day inspections. Out of the shadows came a Matoran. Jala and Takua recognized him as the one they'd seen leading the other Matoran. He had a red body, and bore a black Rau mask. But what was more important was that his mask was infected.

Behind the Matoran came four Tahnok and the Turahk, the dreaded Rahkshi. Makahi had told Takua earlier that this Rahkshi controls fear through it's staff. If it hits you with a beam from it's staff, you would either run away in terror or freeze still. Makahi had used this as a threat to Takua, telling him that if he didn't get to work, the Turahk would either scare him into the lava river, or he'd freeze and have his neck broken when the Rahkshi hit him with the staff.

"So, so, so," the lead Matoran hissed. "Slacking off today, it seems. Well, that's not very good now, is it."

He turned to the task commander of patrol D. "As I remember, your patrol didn't get fifty percent of their annual lava in today! And same for patrol F! What were you two groups doing today when you were suppose to be hauling lava!"

"We… we were repairing the steps," the task commander stuttered.

"The steps broke?" hissed the lead Matoran.

"Y... yes."

"Well then, why were you fixing them when you were suppose to be carrying lava?"

"We c… couldn't get up the steps. They were… were our only way to the Kini-Nui, and we… we needed to repair them before we get to work."

"Well, well, well," snapped the Matoran. "It seems we have a problem here. Why didn't you fix the steps during your free time at night?"

"They broke this morning."

"Oh, well, that's just peachy!" snarled the Matoran. "Maybe you should spend some more time trying to solve problems before they happen!"

"How can they solve problems before they even happen. Then they're not exactly problems, are they."

The lead Matoran froze, and glared at the Matoran who had spoken out to him. Nobody had ever talked to him like that. He stared at Takua's stubborn face.

"What did you just say?" he hissed.

"I said that if a problem happens all of the sudden, how are they suppose to fix it the day before?" Takua responded. "I mean, it's kind of like common sense. The steps probably broke because you used them so much."

"Did I ever ask…" the lead Matoran stated sweetly. Then his voice rumbled with anger. "FOR YOU TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!!"

Takua gulped, and he heard Jala whisper next to him, "Oh, nice job, Takua. Draw attention to yourself."

"I thought so," the Matoran growled, glaring at Takua, who remained silent. "As we have come to conclude, you are all a bunch of dull witted beings. You should spend your time trying to keep stuff from breaking apart before it does. Got it? Now, let's move on to other matters."

He turned to Makahi. "Your patrol was late for one of your trips. Ten minutes late! Do you know what that means? That you were also ten minutes late for your next trip, and then for your trip after that! You were late for all your trips, and therefor weren't able to fill in the gap of missing lava that these other patrols weren't able to fill in."

"It was him!" said Makahi, pointing to Takua. "He was slacking off, and he made us late."

"Well, well," the lead Matoran said. "You seem to be full of problems today, little one. Now, other matters."

He pulled out some tablets. "So, because of all your problems, your behind today. You missed out to your annual lava amount by ten percent. And, for your rude little friend here, you'll have to bring in ten more percent of your annual lava amount for tomorrow. So, that means you're up by twenty percent tomorrow. So I'd recommend getting up early tomorrow morning to get this done. Because if Makuta doesn't get all his lava, he is angry with me. And then I am angry with you!"

"How can Makuta be angry with you," Takua said, without thinking. "You have an infected mask, so he controls you."

Nobody said a word, and the silence in the air was deadly. Finally, the lead Matoran said, in a voice filled with anger and evil, "How did you know that?"

"Doesn't everybody?" squeaked Takua, realizing his mistake.

"Make that twenty-five percent extra you have to get tomorrow," the Matoran hissed. "Now, off with ya. Tahnok, lead them to the prison."

"Prison!" said Jala in astonishment. Although he said it quietly.

The Bohrok led the Matoran off to the island that was to be Ta-Koro. They went down the tunnel, into the hidden cavern, and realized half of the cavern was caged off from the outside. The Bohrok led the Matoran into the cage, and the Turahk locked it behind them. Takua fell in one corner, alone. However, soon he was joined by Makahi. Who exploded the moment he was next to Takua.

"You little runt! Do you know how hard it's going to be for us to make up for all this extra lava your making us haul now! Let me tell you, if you don't haul your weight tomorrow, along with somebody else's weight, then your aren't going to live to haul lava next week. And let me tell you something. It won't be Makuta's or the Bohrok's doing either!" With that, Makahi stormed off, leaving Takua feeling even more empty.

Jala walked over and sat by his friend. "Rough day, I guess."

"Extremely," Takua said. He sobbed. "I always took life for granted back then. Being free, able to go wherever you wanted to. I mean, I thought it was bad enough when Vakama wouldn't tell me everything back then. And now, he isn't even here anymore."

"If only Tahu hadn't worn that mask," muttered Jala.

"About that," Takua said. "I was thinking."

"You've had time to think today?" Jala asked, giving Takua a playful push.

"When you're life's this bad, your only escape can be thought," Takua said. "But, the Toa aren't here. They probably never were here. Does that say they don't exist?"

"So, where would they exist?" Jala asked.

"Vakama told me, once, long ago," Takua began. "That I was the Matoran who found the Toa stones, and summoned the Toa. So, suppose if we found those stones again. Maybe we could summon the Toa all over again."

"You found those stones?" Jala said in surprise. "I never knew that! Where were they?"

"The thing is, I don't remember," Takua said. "Little dreams, maybe, but I don't remember much. It's just that there were six, one for each Toa. They were hidden through the island, in their own Wahi. So, if we could look for them… maybe we could figure out how to summon the Toa."

"Wait, did you look at the Suva?" Jala asked.

"No."

"I did, and I thought I saw outlines of five masks, covered in dust."

"What!" Takua looked up. "That would mean the Toa wouldn't have to search for all their masks."

"All the easier," said Jala.

"So, we know our duty," whispered Takua. "Tomorrow, if we can escape, we'll do so and begin our search for the Toa stones."

"If we can survive the night here," whispered Jala. "Let's get some sleep."

Chapter 5
"Where am I?" Huki asked himself, as he hauled his body off the grounds. "What's happened here? I'm in the Po-Wahi desert!"

A moan from behind him made Huki turn. Nuparu was also laying in the sand, and was starting to awake.

"Ah, at least I'm not alone!" said Huki, helping Nuparu up. "Got this engineer with me, eh."

"I don't feel so good," Nuparu said. "I feel like I've just recovered from some sort of sickness or something."

"Been there, done that," Huki mumbled. "You'll be fine, it'll wear off. But I wonder how we got here?"

"Where is here?" asked Nuparu, looking around.

"Po-Wahi desert," answered Huki. "See all those sand dunes? This is just west of Po-Koro, off the pathway that goes to Onu-Koro. Po-Koro is in the cliffs off to the east."

"I don't see any cliffs," said Nuparu, scanning the horizon.

"What are you talking about, the cliffs of Po-Koro stand out amongst everything else around here," said Huki, following Nuparu's gaze. Then he stopped. "Oh, they're not there."

"So then, where on Mata-Nui are we?" asked Nuparu.

"We're in the right place," muttered Huki, looking around. "The sand dunes are in the right place, and I can see the mountain and the foothills. But where the walls of Po-Koro should be, they aren't there."

"Well, let's try to get to Po-Koro," said Nuparu. "That blast may have blown apart the walls."

"Blast?"

"Of coarse. How else do you expect that we got from the Bohrok nest to here?"

The two Matoran froze at these words, realizing the meaning.

"Tahu used that one mask," Huki said slowly. "But somehow, it didn't work, and the Bahrag escaped. Then, there was some big flash, and then I'm out here. So if the Bahrag are free…"

"They control the Bohrok again!" exclaimed Nuparu. "With the walls of Po-Koro destroyed, they'll be sitting Kewa to the Bohrok. We must warn them!"

"But why are the walls missing?" Huki said, mystified. "If there was a blast that blew away the walls, then why are all these sand dunes in the right place?"

"Because…" Nuparu started. Then he paused to think. "There is no possible explanation. That would defy the laws of physics."

"Well, you are right," Huki replied. "Let's get to Po-Koro."

The two Matoran took off, running across the sands. After a while, they arrived to where the walls of Po-Koro use to be. But the two Matoran stopped dead at what they saw.

The village was where it was suppose to be, but the walls that had surrounded it had been stripped away from the land, exposing everything to the desert winds. Only a few huts stood out, and one of them opened up a tunnel that went underground. The village was surrounded by a small rock fence, just high enough that it could contain the average Matoran.

And there were Matoran. Matoran sat in the sands, carving at the rocks they had. Half of them were carving sculptures out of the rocks, while the other half were constructing buckets out of protodermis. The Po-Korans chipped away at the stones, and wincing when a strong wind blew sand into their eyes.

What was scarier were the village guards. Huki and Nuparu knew instantly the guards were meant to keep the Matoran in, and not anything form the outside. The guards were Pahrak, the stone Bohrok. At the gate of the village was a tall creature who bore a long staff. This creature suddenly caught sight of the two Matoran outside of the village. It hissed loudly, and the Bohrok acted.

"Let's get out of here!" cried Huki, backing up. But the closest Pahrak lifted it's shields, and shot blinding light at the ground beneath the Matoran. The rocks they stood on shattered, and the Matoran were trapped in a hole. Two Pahrak walked over and picked them up, and threw them into the fenced off area. They were trapped.

"What was that?" asked Nuparu in a frightened voice.

"That was the Pahrak doing their duty," said a voice. A Matoran walked over to them. He wore a black Matatu. "Howdy, I'm Tunaka, the carrier. What, I ask you, were you doing out in the desert?"

"We were blown from the Bohrok's nest, after the Toa failed to defeat the Kal," answered Huki. Instead of providing information to the Matoran, they just confused him.

"Bohrok's nest? Toa? Kal?" Tunaka asked. "I think the heat's gone to your heads."

"What are the Bohrok doing around the village!" cried Huki. "And what happened to the glorious walls that use to surround the village?"

"Walls, eh," said Tunaka. "I heard once there were some big walls around here. But I guess the Bohrok tore them down may years ago."

"How long have we been knocked out?" Nuparu said. "This is insane! And what's that tall, brown thing?"

"Are you talking about the Panrahk?" asked Tunaka. "Panrahk is our leader. He's the one who makes sure none of the Matoran are messing around. He's one of Makuta's Rahkshi, or sons."

"M… Makuta!" stuttered Huki. "The Toa defeated him!"

"Never been defeated, Makuta has," said Tunaka. "What are these Toa things you keep talkin' about?"

"Six mighty guardians who would protect us against all dangers," Huki explained. "Turaga Onewa told us about them long ago, so why don't you remember?"

"Never heard of a Toa," said Tunaka. "Or Onewa, for that matter. You two best get to work. You need to get some carving done."

"Carving?" asked Nuparu.

"It's what we Po-Korans do," said Tunaka. "The Onu-Korans supply us with rocks and protodermis. Some of us carve buckets out of the protodermis. We give those to the Ta-Korans, so they can haul lava up to the Kini-Nui. The rest of use carve stone masterpieces that are sacrificed to Makuta." He winked. "Of the Onu-Korans and Ta-Korans, I'm glad I'm a Po-Koran. We have the easier job."

"I'm an Onu-Koran," said Nuparu.

"Then why are you with him?" asked Tunaka.

"We're friends," exclaimed Huki.

"Friends or not, Po-Korans and Onu-Korans have different jobs to do," said Tunaka sternly. "I'm afraid I'll have to report you to the Panrahk."

Chapter 6
"Report me!" cried Nuparu. "I'm in trouble for just being an Onu-Koran!"

"You should be minin' stuff," explained Tunaka.

"Look, I'm sure I can get stuff right," pleaded Nuparu. "Just don't get me in any trouble."

Tunaka sighed. He felt sorry for the two friends. It wasn't his business to split up two great friends. He took a breath. "Okay, but quiet down. I don't really like that Rahkshi anyway. Deadly creepy. Just keep your head down, Onu-Koran. Follow me."

Tunaka lead the two Matoran to the corner of the village, away from most people. He explained that they'd be less likely to be noticed, as long as they didn't stir up trouble.

"You," Tunaka said, turning to Huki. "You are a Po-Koran. So carve something, out of that stone over there."

Huki gathered up a nearby stone, and looked to Tunaka. "I don't have anything to cut it with."

Tunaka handed him a old chisel. "Use that, and make something for Makuta and the Bahrag twins."

"What!" cried Nuparu, but Huki interrupted him. "I can't use this chisel. The handle is all moldy, and this thing is duller than water."

"Here," Nuparu said, gathering stuff out of his pack. He handed his friend a sharp chisel and a hammer. "Use those, I have them with me."

"What the!" cried Tunaka, watching Huki start away on his carving. "Those are tools made up of pure protodermis! Where did you get those?"

"It's mandatory for all Onu-Koran engineers to have these with them at all times," said Nuparu. "You never know when you might need them."

"Nobody has that kind of equipment, save the great spirit himself!" whispered Tunaka in amazement. "Where you got it, I have no idea!"

"So tell me," Nuparu said, as Huki continued on his carving. "What's life like here. Something very strange is going on, and I'm worried. I could use some information."

"Well," said Tunaka. "It's a long story. But here it is. This island is controlled by the Bahrag and Makuta, the might spirit. They use the Bohrok to control each village on the island, and Makuta's Rahkshi lead each village. The Bohrok all have these elemental powers, and the Rahkshi have even more powerful powers in their staffs. The Panrahk can blow up anything that he hits with a beam that comes out of his staff. Very dangerous. And the Pahrak can control the stones and rocks to their uses."

"We Po-Korans rely on the Onu-Korans for supplies. They are lead by this black Rahkshi, who steals power from whoever gets hit with a beam from his staff. He then uses their stolen power to grow stronger. The Bohrok there, the Nuhvok, can control the earth very well. The Onu-Korans are forced to mine materials from the earth. These rocks and protodermis is then taken to Po-Koro. We make the protodermis buckets that are then taken to Ta-Koro. There, the Ta-Korans haul lava in those buckets to the Kini-Nui, where they give it to the great spirit and the Bohrok Queens. When their buckets become useless, they then sacrifice the remaining protodermis to Makuta and the Bahrag as well."

"Also, everyday, the Po-Korans pay tribute with one carving. We select one to bring to the Kini-Nui, where it is dropped into it as tribute to our leaders. It takes many days to make a carving, so we Po-Korans are constantly carving to keep up our supplies of carving to give to the rulers. If we fall behind, and miss one day, Makuta gets very angry with us, and our tribute increases. Once, we missed one day, and for the following week, we had to pay tribute of three carvings a day to Makuta before he became satisfied and let us go back to normal."

"Then, there's my job. A handful of Matoran, all Po-Koran, are needed to bring supplies from one village to another. I go between Po-Koro and Onu-Koro, bringing back protodermis and rocks to supply our carvers. It's tough work at times, because if I'm late, then we're all in big trouble. But, it is far easier than any other job in Po-Koro. Plus, I get some authority to travel around."

Tunaka looked around, to see if anyone was listening. "In a little bit, I'll be heading for Onu-Koro, to replenish our supplies. I can bring you along with me, so you can get back to Onu-Koro, where you belong."

Huki turned from his carving. "Hey, wherever Nuparu goes, I go. If you take him someplace, I go with him."

Tunaka looked over Huki. "Well, maybe I can do that. But, this Nuparu could pass as a Po-Koran, but you do not seem to pass as an Onu-Koran."

"I'm going anyway," said Huki. He turned his back on them again. "And, just a few more cuts, and I'm finished with my carving."

"Ha," Tunaka laughed. "Makuta and the Bahrag only accept the most excellent stone carvings. No way you finished a quality one in five minutes!"

"Ta DA!" exclaimed Huki, backing up from the stone. It wasn't carved very well, but the shape was unmistakable. It showed a Matoran who was taking of his mask and making a rude gesture with it's maskless face. Huki and Nuparu fell over laughing, but Tunaka turned very pale. Very quickly, he rushed and grabbed a pick ax and smashed the carving to pieces.

"Why did you do that?" Huki asked. "That was good."

"You do not give disrespectful carvings to our masters!" snarled Tunaka. "Do you know what the Panrahk would do if he saw that!"

"Come on," said Huki. "That's just what I think of Makuta. Doesn't he want our honest opinion?"

"Not if that's it," hissed Tunaka. He handed his pick ax to Nuparu. "Here, you can use that down in the mines."

"This piece of worthless junk?" said Nuparu, examining the ax. "It's extremely dull. I'd have better luck digging with the handle than with the blade. I have a better one than that." Out of his pack, he pulled out his pick ax, which was polished so well that it shined brightly.

"Put that away!" snapped Tunaka. "They'll wonder what you're doing with such fine tools. Pure protodermis blades. That's not something everybody has, you know. It'll make them wonder. But for now, follow me. I need to make my run to Onu-Koro, and you're coming with me."

They followed the Matoran as he walked behind on of the huts. When Huki and Nuparu saw what it was, they froze.

"It's only my steeds, a Muaka and Kane-Ra," said Tunaka. "They're perfectly safe."

"They wear infected masks!" exclaimed Nuparu. "Makuta controls them."

"Nonsense," the Matoran cried. He hooked up a wagon to the two Rahi. "I control these two. They're my favorites, and I've raised them since they were young. I was so proud when they received their masks. However, the work makes them a lot grumpier. They are nothing like they were when they were infants." The Muaka growled, and the Kane-Ra gave a loud grunt.

"'Cause they weren't servants of Makuta when they were infants," muttered Huki to Nuparu.

"Well, get in the back," said Tunaka. "I don't want you to be seen, because that will stir up questions. But I'll just drop you off in Onu-Koro. Now, get in. I'll cover you with this blanket."

"I'm getting a really bad feeling here," muttered Huki as he and Nuparu crawled into the back of the wagon. "Rahi, Bohrok, and tribute to Makuta. This isn't right."

"I know…" muttered Nuparu back. "And they haven't ever heard of the Toa? It's like that mask messed up time."

"Isn't that what those overgrown Queens said?" Huki stated.

"You know what," whispered Nuparu. "They did say something like that. Something about that mask altering reality."

"Then maybe it did alter reality," mumbled Huki. "But why are we still normal?"

"Who knows?" said Nuparu. "But if we're sane, then I'll be the other four are sane too, and probably around here somewhere."

"Maku!" exclaimed Huki. "She might still be around! Ooh, I just wish she were here."

"Yeah, and why would you want that?" Nuparu mocked, laughing.

"Quiet," Huki growled. "I think we're moving."

"Think?" said Nuparu. The inside of the wagon had suddenly started bouncing around all over the place. After a while, they heard Tunaka speak outside. "Permission to leave."

"Permission granted," hissed a soft voice. It was unmistakably a Matoran's voice, but alltogetherly different. "Bohrok, open the gate."

Huki risked lifting up the blanket a bit to pear outside. He gasped, and let it fall back down.

"What is it?" Nuparu asked.

"That Matoran…" stuttered Huki. "He looks like the highest ranking Matoran around. But I recognize him. He's the guy who sold me infected Koli balls back in our time. And his mask… was infected!"

Chapter 7
Takua slept uneasily. His mind drifted into a strange dream.

He was walking somewhere in the Ta-Wahi region. He could hear the trickling of lava in the distance. He came upon a huge wall, that was made from cooled lava. Steps were carved into it, and Takua followed them to a shallow cave inside the wall. There was something in the wall, some sort of box. Takua didn't know why, but he found he wanted that box. Like it would solve all his problems. He reached out to take it.

Takua awoke when he heard a sudden grinding noise. Somebody was creeping up from behind him. He leapt up, and turned to see a figure run away from him. He could make out the Mahiki mask, and realized it was Makahi.

Takua was breathing hard. Makahi was about to do something to him in his sleep, and he had been lucky enough to wake up before it happened. Thinking about the possible things Makahi would have done to him did not cheer up Takua. He glanced to his side to see Jala, still asleep. But as tired as Takua was, he could not fall back asleep. He sat in the darkness, waiting for the day to begin. Hours later, it did begin. Earlier than usual, Takua guessed, Tahnok and the Turahk appeared at the exit, and unlocked the cage. The Matoran were shaken awake, and lead outside. They filed up into their patrols, and started hauling lava. Takua and Jala were still part of Makahi's patrol, and they still filled their buckets. But as they marched to the Kini-Nui, they slowly fell behind. As they had planned, they were quickly left behind, and they could see no more of the Matoran hauling lava.

"I am so glad we're getting out of here," said Takua, setting down his bucket. "I hate the idea of hauling lava another day."

"I hate to do this," Jala moaned. "If we leave, we'll just get the Ta-Korans in bigger trouble. But we are the only ones who could possibly summon the Toa."

"Who cares about them," Takua snarled. "To the Magania with them! I'm pretty sure Makahi tried to do me in last night, but I woke up and scared him off."

"NO!" cried Jala. "No Ta-Koran would ever try to harm another Matoran! That isn't in our spirit!"

"Different times, Jala," mumbled Takua. "Different worlds. Let's get going."

Jala cold see Takua was exhausted. Deprived of sleep that night, and having been worked to the extreme the previous day, Takua was very tired. Jala made his decision quickly. "Takua, you rest here for a bit. I'm just going to scout out ahead, to make sure we don't run into a group of Tahnok."

"Okay," said Takua. He laid on the ground, and closed his eyes. If there was any danger, Jala would warn him. But for now, he could get a few moments rest.

"You dirty little Hoto bug!"

Takua's eyes snapped opened to see Makahi standing above him, with a knife in hand. The Matoran was breathing hard.

"I knew you'd slack off today!" he cried. "And it'll be my duty to punish you for that!"

Takua rolled over quickly, and Makahi's knife missed it's mark. Makahi made another slash, but Takua dashed behind one of the buckets.

"You're dead, Matoran!" shouted Makahi. He leapt forward, ready to stab Takua in the face. But his foot hit the bucket, knocking it over. It spilled it's contents all over Makahi's feet.

"AHHHHHHH!" Makahi cried in alarm. In was obvious he was in pain. The lava was now eating away at his feet. Makahi, now lacking all sense, blamed Takua for his misfortune. He lifted his knife one last time. Takua tried to run, but he was frozen in fear. In a few seconds he'd be a goner.

He never saw the disc. It flew straight and true. It hit Makahi on the head and knocked him out cold. Jala came running up to his friends aid.

"So he was trying to do you in!" Jala cried in amazement. "I thought you'd be safe, but I never imagined you'd be attacked by him!"

"All the more reason to get moving," Takua gasped. "He won't wake up for some time now, and even when he does, he won't be walking anywhere. The lava ate away at his feet pretty badly."

"So, what are we looking for?" Jala asked, as he and his friend set off, away from the knocked out Makahi.

"Well, I'm sure, wherever the stone for Tahu is, that it'll be in a special place," Takua said. "Someplace made just for it, someplace special. But it could be anywhere in Ta-Wahi. So we'd best get searching."

"What are our overall plans?" Jala asked.

"Find the stones," Takua said. "We'll sneak around the island, trying to find them all. It may take a while, but it can be done. Then, we'll summon the Toa at once, and we'll be okay. Once the Toa are here, we'll have the greatest protection."

"And maybe they'll influence the Ta-Korans to be nicer people," muttered Jala. "But until we summon the Toa, we're in constant danger. We need to be on guard."

The two Matoran spent the rest of the day combing the landscape, in search for the Toa stone. But nothing in Ta-Wahi looked 'special' enough to hold the legendary Toa stone. It was later that afternoon, when Jala and Takua stopped by a lava river.

"Might as well rest here," muttered Jala. "At least it's better than carrying lava up to the Kini-Nui. But there is a worn path on that trail."

"This place," Takua murmured. "It looks familiar, somehow."

"What!" cried Jala. "I should have known! We've been going in circles. That must be the river we saw this morning." Suddenly, he stopped. "No, that river was a lot smaller. This is new."

"Not familiar, as we have seen it today," Takua said, placing his hands on his head. "But still familiar…" He gazed upon a giant wall. "Of course!"

Jala followed his gaze. "That's just some big lava wall. Probably something left over from a huge eruption from the past."

"Steps!" Takua cried in delight.

"What?" Jala said. They hadn't seen any steps sense they had left Makahi unconscious. "What does that mean?"

"Follow me," shouted Takua.

The Matoran ran up the steps, and Jala followed him. They came upon an indent in the wall. The space was big enough to hold a couple Matoran huts easily. Takua ran to the wall, and found a smaller indent. "Here it is!" he whispered.

"What…" Jala said in surprise. "That's only a box! And it has the symbol for Ta-Koro on it. I remember those flames from the signs outside the village."

"It's more than a box," Takua said. But he suddenly felt an uneasy feeling. "Enough talk, let's move."

The two Matoran turned for the steps when they heard the crash behind them. Landing on the platform that came out of the cliff wall were four Tahnok, and also the dreaded Turahk. The Matoran gasped in fear, and turned to see four more Tahnok blocked the steps.

A Matoran stepped in front of the four Tahnok blocking the stairs. It was the Ta-Koran lead Matoran, with the infected mask. He spoke to Takua and Jala in a sinister voice.

"Give us that package, now."

Chapter 8
"Make it easy on yourself," the infected Matoran hissed. "And give us the package now. Otherwise, we'll take it by force."

"Why would you want it?" shouted Takua.

"You know why."

"Well, you're going to have to take it with force," said Takua bravely, even though he didn't feel brave. He put the package into his pack. "Come and get it."

"You heard him," the Matoran said smoothly. "Tahnok, destroy him!"

"Take this!" Jala cried. He whipped out his sword Tahu had given him. He lit it up, and the elemental power came up. He threw a fireball at the Matoran and the four Tahnok before anyone of them could move.

The Tahnok are powerful creatures themselves, and also wield the power of fire. Jala's attack did little to them. But these Bohrok were unused to facing their own elemental powers, and rolled up into balls in an instant.

"Now!" Jala cried, and he and Takua pounced forward. The Tahnok behind them made a move, but stopped as the Turahk raised his staff.

Takua tried to jump over the heap of Tahnok, but something grabbed his foot. He turned to see the infected Matoran holding his leg.

"You aren't escaping!" the Matoran hissed. He stood tall next to Takua, but this proved to be the wrong move. The Turahk, aiming a blast of fear at Takua, his the Matoran instead. The Matoran cried out in fright, and froze up with fear, releasing Takua. He stumbled up and followed Jala as they ran down the steps.

"Now what?" Jala shouted.

"We have to run!" shouted Takua. Suddenly, he caught sight of the lava river. An idea popped into his head. "Jala, you distract them for a while. I have a plan!"

"Me, distract them?" Jala cried as they split up.

"Just take the attention for a second or two?" Takua cried as he ran towards the shore of the lava river.

"Might as well do what he says," Jala muttered to himself. Using his sword, he blasted flames in the air. The Tahnok turned to him, and came racing after him. Jala ran until he suddenly stopped. They had cornered him on a cliff. Underneath it ran the river of lava. He turned back to his foes and shot a blast of fire at them. This kept them back, but wouldn't get rid of them.

Takua ran along the bank, until he came upon a stairway. The stairway led directly down to the very edge of the river. Excitedly, Takua ran down the steps. But suddenly, something whooshed in the air. A Tahnok flew over his head and landed in front of Takua, blocking his path. Takua gasped and cried out, "Jala!!"

Jala turned to see his friend in danger. Without thinking, he took out his disc and hurtled it through the air. The disc hit it's mark, and the Tahnok fell forward. Takua jumped above it, and started down the steps again. But he hesitated, and turned back. He snagged Jala's disc from under the fallen Bohrok. He waved his hand at the Tahnok. "Ha ha, sucker. You need to be better than that to beat us!" But suddenly, the Bohrok's eyes lit up, and it stood again. Takua gulped, and turn and ran down the stairs. But the Tahnok was after him.

"NO!" Jala shouted. His friend was still in trouble, and he couldn't help out at all. But he threw another burst of flames at the other Bohrok, who were now closing in on him.

"Wait for it, wait for it," muttered Takua to himself. He reached into his pack, and glanced behind him. The Tahnok lifted it's shields, and shot a blast of fire at Takua. The Matoran jumped high n the air, avoiding the blast. He whipped out a small bundle. In unfolded and formed Takua's treasured lava surfboard.

Takua landed on his surfboard on the steps. The Tahnok had superheated the steps so much that they were now lava themselves. Takua shot down the rest of the steps, and streamed out into the lava river, safely away from the Tahnok.

"Yes!" Jala cried. "Go Takua!"

But he turned and realized his time was up. The Tahnok were closing in, and they parted to let somebody else come up to the front line. It was the Rahkshi, the Turahk, with the power of fear. Jala tried to step back, but rock crumbled under his foot, and he knew he was on the edge of the cliff. He would have to go over or face the Bohrok and Rahkshi.

"I hope I make it through this!" Jala whispered. He put his sword to his chest and looked up. Then he did an amazing back flip and sailed through the air. He just managed to dodge the Turakh's beam of fear, which had shot towards him. Jala, now falling through the air, screamed out loud.

"I'm coming for you!" Takua yelled. He turned his surfboard, and steered towards the cliff. Seconds before Jala would have hit the lava, Takua streered forward and caught him on his board. The two friends now shot down the river, away from their enemies.

"You did it, you Koli head," Jala cried in delight. He hugged Takua from behind. "Thanks for catching me."

"Hey, you saved me first, and also back there with Makahi," Takua said. "Now, let's get out of here!" He surfed at breakneck speed down the river.

Jala turned around to see the sight. The remaining Bohrok leapt from the cliff, and rolled up into balls. They plunged into the lava, and were not seen for a few seconds. Then they popped up, also speeding through the magma.

"Oh no!" shouted Jala. "I didn't know they could do that!"

"What!" Takua asked.

"The Tahnok!" Jala cried. "They're moving through the lava as a Takea would move through water!"

"Uh oh," Takua moaned. They came upon a curve in the river. Takua leaned on the board, and they easily missed the wall. They were now going extremely fast down the river, which was starting to grow dangerous.

"Oh woe," moaned Jala. "If only Lhii had been the Chronicler!"

"Hey, I can surf with the best of them," argued Takua. "And I've been in these fast of flows before. Even though Tahu had to save me."

"What!" shouted Jala. "Tahu isn't here to watch you're behind this time. And we've got Tahnok on our tails too!"

"Just makes it all the more exciting!" Takua shouted out. "Hold on."

Takua went over a jump, and they sailed through the air. Jala clutched onto Takua's back, but they landed safely. The Tahnok followed still, but some got caught on the jump, and didn't sail through the air as nicely. They were slowing down, but still not very far behind. Suddenly, one lifted it's shield and shot a stream of fire up towards them.

"Bank left," Jala cried, and Takua swerved the board. The stream missed. But the Tahnok tried again and again. Takua just managed to avoid their blasts. Suddenly, Jala noticed something. "The lava's slowing down!"

Takua noticed it too. "Why is it doing that. It shouldn't, unless… " Takua looked up ahead, and gasped out. "We're coming up to the sea!"

"Now what!" cried Jala.

"The lava cools at the sea," Takua cried. "And when we slow down, those Tahnok will be all over us!"

The lava slowed down to a walking pace. Jala glanced behind them and yelled, "They're shooting another blast!"

"I can't swerve!" Takua cried out. He leaned on one side, and the board tipped up. The stream of fire shot off next to them, just missing them. Jala then realized something. "Get in that blast of lava!"

Takua dipped the board, and they were in the path the Tahnok's blast had gone. It had superheated the cooled lava so that it sped up. Takua and Jala shot down the lava in this stream. Then, Takua saw the end of the line.

"The ocean!" he shouted.

"It looks really close," Jala commented. But suddenly, their board was suspended in mid air. They shot off the cooling lava and into the air above the ocean. Takua and Jala cried out as they plummeted into the waters.

Takua came up for air, and Jala was next to him. They weren't hurt, but they were now in the water, and couldn't move nearly as fast. They watched as the Tahnok grouped up along the edge. The cooling lava, which would have melted any Matoran, had no effect on the Tahnok. The Bohrok threw bursts of fire towards the two Matoran.

"It was nice knowing you, Jala," Takua said.

The fire hit them, but nothing happened. Takua opened his eyes, figuring the blast had missed them. But another Tahnok fired, and he saw their blast stop in mid air, right in front of his face. After a while, the Tahnok gave up on them. Their fire powers could not get them, and they retreated back into the lava.

"What was that?" Jala asked Takua.

"Something protected us," Takua muttered. "And I feel it too. Don't you? It's like some sort of shielding. Like a Hau."

"It's these waters!" Jala cried in sudden realization. "The waters are protecting us!"

"Of coarse," Takua chimed in. "The island of Mata-Nui has been infected by Makuta and his Bohrok. But the oceans around the island are still pure. Nokama once told me something like that. And this pure water is protecting us from the evil powers of the Bohrok!"

"So, we're protected," said Jala. "As long as we're within the waters."

"Amazing!" Takua said. He swam over to his lava surfboard, which was easily floating in the water. "Climb on, Jala. This think floats on water as well as lava, and I'm sure it will hold you too."

The two Matoran hastily climbed up on the surfboard. Jala felt it uneasily. "It's better than swimming, but I'd prefer a canoe."

"Well, we won't get one of those for a while," Takua said. He reached into his pack, and checked his contents. "Yes, I still have everything."

"Get that package," Jala said. Takua followed suit, and pulled it out. Jala looked over it. "I don't see what's so special about it. It only looks like some rock package. And it has the Ta-Koran symbol on it. What's so special?"

"It's not the package, but the content," Takua said. He opened it up and revealed a small stone.

"Is that?" Jala said, gazing at it in wonder.

"Yes," Takua answered. "Tahu's Toa stone."