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Showing results for tags 'jaller'.
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(Yeah, me again. Sorry ^^") ^click the thumbnail or follow this link to view the whole pic! :3 Felt like doing something BIONICLE-themed again, but somehow I couldn't think of something serious and awe-inspiring... have Jaller and Takua wearing some fancy hats instead. In colour! ^^
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Those mushy. Rubber type masks that the inika wear the organic kanohi, are they supposed to look different than the non organic ones? Aside from the fact that they need a weird head to connect it to and there is no connection points to the mouth n stuff
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Hey... Long time? Anyway, I'll make this short, eh.he... Short... Matoran.. *Cough*Getting off track, Me and a buddy of mine have made revamped Takua and Jaller Matoran from Ta-Koro (as I'm sure you all knew that.) ---So... wanna see? Takua(Co-op build){I know that Takua needs red, but right now it sticks out to much when I try adding it}Jaller(Solo build) --- So.... yeah that's the Matoran we know and love, and your welcome to share the love with comments. (don't have to though too still love them xp) ~Zahaki
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I've got reservations/about so many things/but not about you-Wilco, Reservations ~Author's Note~ I seriously don't know what this is. I planned it as a fluffy break to my depressing Those Who Burn series. Then it happened, and ended up forcing me to stay up till two in the morning to finish it. It couldn't decide which tense it was in either, and generally caused a lot of stress that it was supposed to mediate. And it isn't even fluff. It's like fluffy angst. Angty fluff? Flangst? I have no idea, you tell me. As always, comments, criticism, and stuffed animals are appreciated. Too Early by Yukiko Takanuva paused and conjured a small ball of light, illuminating the stone stairs above him. He tread softly, even though he knew there was no reason to be quiet. Or perhaps there was. He tried not to think about it. Jaller sat on a stone stool, which along with the table he was leaning on, appeared to be carved from the same huge stone as the round room Takanuva now stood in. A small lightstone hanging from the ceiling provided the only other light in the room. There was hardly enough to see by, let alone read whatever maps Jaller was currently perusing. Takanuva was about to clear his throat when the toa of fire turned to look directly at him. Jaller flinched momentarily at the sudden light, then met Takanuva's gaze. "Takanuva...could you put that out? Its dangerous; we don't want to attract attention." "It's dark, you know I can't see as well as you." "Well, try going outside.""Isn't that dangerous too?" "Not...look. Takanuva, I don't have time for this. Why do you need to consult me?" Consult...Takanuva sighed and put out the light, casting his gaze towards the far side of the room. The light behind him went out, and for a moment he was sure that he was going to trip. Then he felt Jaller's hand on his elbow, guiding him. He didn't look up to meet his friend's eyes. This helpless feeling made him uneasy, more so because he knew that a few days ago he wouldn't have been helpless. A few days ago he would have been able to feel every shadow like it was an extension of his own body. Something, moss maybe, brushed past his face and then he was outside, under a cold sky filled with stars. Ga-metru lay spread out before him, its still pools of water reflecting the sky. "So what is it?"Jaller leaned on the edge of the small stone balcony, looking out over the city. Takanuva studied his friend's face. With the golden hau he wore now, he looked much the same as he had when Takanuva had last truly spoken to him. He remembered the look on Jaller's face as they pressed their hands together, not quite touching because of the invisible barrier. The way his eyes screamed Go, and something else, something that Takanuva regrets not saying as well. There were different barriers between them now, and Takanuva's old regrets had turned into something sharper, more urgent. He had no idea where to begin. Jaller's eyes glowed brightly, too bright for any normal toa. They were the only thing obviously different in his face. Takanuva wondered if he could absorb that light. He wanted to take in all of Jaller's pain and memorize the toa of fire in front of him, so familiar and yet so changed. But there was not enough time for that. Jaller turned to face him. His earlier annoyance seemed to have faded, replaced with something softer. He looked almost–Sorry."I heard about what happened to you in Karda Nui. "Exactly."Who told you—wait no let me guess: Gali?" Jaller winced. "Nokama actually, but you're half-right. Gali told her. She was worried." "About me? Why did she come to you? Isn't Tahu my leader?" Takanuva regretted the words as soon as they came out of his mouth, but instead of snapping at him the toa of fire just sighed and scratched his head."Well, I have this strange feeling I've known you before..." Takanuva punched him in the arm. It hurt more than he expected and he found himself shaking his hand out and wincing at the pain. Jaller tried and failed to keep a straight face. "Besides," he said, his smirk vanishing, "you are here, so she must have been partly right. This is about that, isn't it?" "Sort of." Takanuva stole a glance at the city below them. He couldn't see much, but he could swear that there was something moving in the streets below. "Don't think about it," Jaller said. "That's how he gets to you. You shouldn't let your imagination run away with you." "But the Makuta controls—" "Sight isn't the only sense. Close your eyes for a moment." "What?" Takanuva asked, confused. "Just do it. Close your eyes and listen." Takanuva obeyed. The first thing he noticed was his own breathing. Then he picked up Jaller's, slower and more measured. Beyond that there was—Nothing. No sound of some creature of the night, but also nothing else. No chirping of small insect rahi, no humming of machinery. Ga-metru had always been a quiet place, a place of reflection, but there was something oppressive and hard about this silence. He thought he could pick up the sound of water running somewhere, but even it seemed muffled, as if it was trying to avoid making too much noise. "It's too quiet," he said, opening his eyes and looking into Jaller's. The toa of fire nodded. "Rahkshi are loud...really loud. We'd hear one if it was coming. But when they don't...I miss the noise sometimes. I never really noticed all the little sounds before, and in that way—I wouldn't say I'm grateful for the darkness, but I understand it more now. It isn't all evil, you know, the night. Sometimes it helps you notice things you never did before." A few years ago, Takanuva would have immediately opened his mouth and teased Jaller about sounding like a turaga. Jaller would always have these sorts of lessons directed at him, though before they had been of the "don't pick up anything you see on the ground" variety. Now he could only stare back at his old friend. He could only feel helplessly grateful. He supposed that was why he kissed Jaller. The next few seconds, he didn't really register anything beside Jaller's hands around his waist and the feeling of his lips and that he was kissing back. Then, Takanuva returned to reality and the other toa's hands were pushing him gently but firmly away. "Takua...I don't—"Jaller looked into his eyes, searching for something. "What was that exactly?" "A question? I don't know, I—"He didn't know. The way Jaller had looked at him had been different and he had just acted, because he knew there was was a chance that he would never—Oh right."I'm leaving," he said. "Tomorrow. Somewhere the South, I can't...""Tell me? So you just thought you would come up here and kiss me goodbye and—"The toa of fire hid his face in his hands, rubbing his tired eyes."Its been a long time, Takanuva. We[/font]'ve both changed.""Takua.""What?""You can call me Takua. It's not like we've changed that much. You still worry like a mother ash-bear." "And you still have the caution of fledgling gukko."They lock eyes for a moment, and then they were laughing, breaking the silence of the night, and it didn't matter that they were probably attracting far too much attention. He had missed this. Missed Jaller; missed the days when he was still Takua and danger was an adventure.When the stitch in his side loosened, and he looked at Jaller again, his friend was smiling, truly smiling, not the sad little upturns of the mouth that Takanuva had seen until now. Takanuva wanted desperately to kiss him again.Then the smile vanished, replaced with what Takanuva knew his own face must have looked liked before."I'm leaving too, you know."Takanuva felt the barrier between them click back into place."And you can't tell me?""I suppose it's safer that way. I mean if—"Takanuva clutched the raining. "You always, come back. Remember? You're invincible."He turned to his friend. The last words had only been half a joke."You must think very highly of me."Takanuva forced himself to keep Jallers eyes. He reminded himself that it might be all he had now. Then Jaller's hand was on top of his, and he had to force himself not to jump away in shock."But you're not. And like you said, I worry like a mother ash bear."His voice sounded unsteady, and the fact that he might never see Jaller again hit Takanuva with full force. Jaller intertwined his fingers with his, and Takanuva closed his eyes. He really wanted to scream, but the paranoia had returned. His throat ached and his eyes stung. He was almost grateful that the Order forbade him to tell anyone else about his mission, because he didn't know how he would be able to go through this again. Yet at the same time, the idea of not seeing Macku or Kopeke or any of the others made him go cold all over. They could die too, and he wouldn't even have this goodbye to give them. It was just all so unfair and Takanuva hated how much it upset him.Jaller pulled him close, and he surrendered to the pain in his eyes and throat. The tears felt hot poring down his face, and he knew that he must be shaking and babbling incoherently, but he didn't care. He could feel Jaller's hand rubbing circles on his back.Takanuva didn't know anything about love. He couldn't name the point where their friendship ended and this, whatever it was, began. Perhaps it was that moment that he left Jaller and his other friends stranded on the other side of that gate, when he turned and began to feel that persistent ache of Jaller's absence in his chest. But it didn't have a name then, and Takanuva had groped for that name ever since, as the ache continued to grow. Perhaps then, when the Order told Takanuva that he could only tell one person of his mission, he came because he needed too, because the pain had stopped being bearable.But he was done thinking. He felt drained and his wet face felt hot against the crook of Jaller's neck. He removed himself from the other toa's arms and managed a smile."So you can't tell me anything? Even where you're going."He had at least known that before.Jallers mouth twitched. "It's going to involve swimming, I know that.""What's breathing under water like?" Takanuva asked. He used to ask these sorts of questions all the time. He took Jaller's hand, but this time it didn't feel awkward or desperate. It felt natural, this connection between them."Its a bit different from having a Kaukau. It's like I have to breath the water, but I don't really think about it any more. Of course I was too busy dodging things getting thrown at me to notice it at first.""That's kind of weird.""Well, guess you don't get to be the different one all the time."Karzahni. He was done crying and this was not the time to go back there. But he did anyway."Do you know how I managed?""What?""When you died. I didn't think about it, I didn't think about being a toa. I just expected you to come back. And it worked—You came back. So I'm going to expect you all to be waiting for me and everything to be the same, even if it isn't. And you have to do the same thing for me."For a few seconds, Jaller only stared back. Then the toa of fire's face broke into a smile, and Takanuva blinked. In the old days, Jaller would never have smiled after hearing a speech like that. The toa of fire squeezed his hand."Promise. We'll be wise old Turaga together."Takanuva snorted. "You know, Vakama and Dume aren't actually older than us. They just use it as an excuse to boss us around.""Yes, but..." Jaller's smile faded. "They remember more. Besides, being a toa ages you. Look at us.""That's true, you're acting crusty already."Jaller rolled his eyes.Takanuva felt an irrational smile on his face. He should not be smiling like this, because he knew that he needed to leave now."I should go."If Jaller was surprised by the sudden change of subject, he didn't show it. He just raised his left hand, the one that wasn't holding Takanuva's into a fist. Takanuva raised his own fist and they clanked them together.Then Jaller was grasping both his hands and kissing him, and Takanuva held tight, because he knew this wasn't a question.It was a goodbye.
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There once was a matoran with yellow hands, yellow feet and a yellow mask. Yes, yellow appeared to be his signature color. This matoran loved many things, but the thing he loved most was the thrill of surfing. The wind in his face, the heat of fire rushing over his body and the speed, oh the speed! How he loved it all.He turned his board sharply to the left as the next wave approached. Moving with the flow of the surf, he began to accelerate. The only thought in this matoran’s head was speed. Yes, he had to move faster, faster.Soon the matoran was a mere blur to the world and the world was a spectacular blur to the matoran so much so that he could no longer see clearly. It was in this carelessness that the matoran fell with a grim splash.---Cough. Cough. Wheeze.“Easy there, fire-spitter. You may be fast, but not even you can breathe water like Toa Gali.”Jaller tried to clear his eyes of the sea-water and looked toward Naho bay. His companion was not ten feet from him bobbing on a surfboard and her voice was all too familiar.“Haha, you’re one to talk, Hahli. Last I checked you’ve had quite a few wipe-outs yourself.” Jaller raised a brow at the ga-matoran.“None that were anywhere near as fantastic as your grand display just now, oh great Captain of the Guard.” She stuck her tongue out, a soft irreverence in her tone.To that, Jaller was a little unnerved. He took his position in Ta-Koro very seriously. However, the ta-matoran was not currently in his home; he was with his friend on a peaceful day. Here and now he was lax and at-ease. That meant there was only one way to deal with such a comment.Jaller quickly spun his arm over the surface of the water, creating a decent-sized wave in the ga-matoran’s direction. After his magnificent spin, Jaller looked back to find his target had left; all that remained was a board floating aimlessly in the water.His eyes darted back and forth as he tried to look beneath the waves. He couldn’t make anything out. The feeling of loneliness was beginning to vibrate in his chest; it began making him uneasy with each passing minute.Was she in trouble? Could she actually breathe water? Perhaps she had fled on a Takea shark? His eyes darted everywhere in vain.Somehow, he gained the courage to speak,“…. Hahli?”Suddenly something pulled him beneath the waves.---A sharp sting burst through the matoran’s side. It was followed by another sting in his shoulder and one on his leg. The pain was immense, yet it had to be endured at all costs.Faster… I need to move faster. The thought was the only hope the matoran had to forget his pain. A dark buzzing filled the air with the sound of impending doom as he ducked and turned and even jumped over the lava. The distance he had covered from his home was great indeed. He knew his duty; he had to keep moving. Yes, keep moving…A blur of lava was the last sight the matoran would realize.---Two matoran dragged themselves to the shore of Mata Nui.“That was a cheap shot; pulling me underwater like that.” Jaller chided.“Oh, lighten up. It’s not my fault you can’t see underwater.” Hahli tapped her Kaukau. Its visor came in handy for Hahli. She loved to swim and she could hold her breath for quite some time.The sun was setting on the beach as Jaller and Hahli collapsed, exhausted.“You know, you’re normally not that reckless. What came over you today?” The blue matoran looked to her friend with a cheeky smile. She was glad to see Jaller relaxing for a change. As the Captain of the guard he always seemed to be serious.“… Well, today just seemed too good to waste…” Jaller looked off into the distance almost in a trance. A dark cloud loomed over his head as he spoke.“Hmm? … Jaller… What’s on your mind?” Hahli’s eyes grew concerned.Jaller wasn’t sure what to say at this point. How could he explain…?An old tale slowly faded into his mind.“Hahli, have you ever heard of a matoran named Lhii?” The words he spoke sounded mournful and grey.“Lhii? I can’t say I have.” Hahli looked down at the sand. Actually, she could have sworn she had heard the name before in passing. It never really struck her as a name she ought to remember until now.“Lhi was a ta-matoran. He was the Captain of the Guard before me. There are many stories of him in Ta-koro. He was a legend; he could surf through lava like it was water! Turaga Vakama said he would be second only to Tahu even today.” Jaller spoke with a mixed sense of pride and wistfulness.“What happened to him?”Jaller mutter a short word that was nearly inaudible.“…What?”“Hoto. There was a swarm of hoto plaguing Ta-Koro. According to Turaga Vakama, Lhii managed to find the swarm’s queen. He picked it up with a kohli stick and attempted to lure the swarm out of the village through the lava. Lhii managed to save the village, but the swarm was too much for him, and he… fell…” Jaller’s words had a certain rising and falling as he spoke.“… Wow… I never knew there was a matoran like that on Mata Nui.” Hahli shared Jaller’s mood as they both looked up towards a falling sun and a red star emerging from the fleeting light.“… I’ve got some big shoes to fill, Hahli…”Hahli gave a soft smile and rested a hand on his shoulder. It felt so soft and gentle in its reassurance.“We all do.”---------Whew. Lots of thought went into this one. So, yeah, a bit of a different angle from what I was generally seeing with this concept. Most stories I read and skimmed dealt with Vakama personally telling one of Lhii's tales. Well, I thought it would be refreshing to see Lhii's influence on the matoran of Mata Nui instead. Who better to focus on than the matoran who wears Lhii's (Lhikan's) mask?I actually kinda hate my entry because I had to shorten it so much. I started out wanting to do something really short, but it proved rather difficult with this one. Curse my ability to ramble! So, yeah, this one has a word count of 984 as opposed to my entry with a word count of 600. This one is better in my opinion.Hope you guys enjoy it! ^^
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Remember the 2006 Flash Animations that were somwhere between CGI and MNOLG animation? The ones with little games you could play? Well, I took a few screenshots, particularly of the Inika, and made banners out of them. I'm working on avatars as we speak.and might make more banners from other animations.Jaller: [url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashJaller.jpg[/img][/url]Hahli:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashhahli.jpg][/url]Kongu:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashkongu-1.jpg[/img][/url]Matoro:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashMatoro.jpg[/img][/url]Hewkii:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashhewkii.jpg[/img][/url]Nuparu:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashnuparu.jpg[/img][/url]Group pictures:[url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937"][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashInika.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://s1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/?action=view¤t=Inikafire.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://s1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/?action=view¤t=Flashinikavictory.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashinikavspiraka.jpg][/url]Piraka:[url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashzaktan.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashHakann.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashVezok.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashThok.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashAvak.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashreidak.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/FlashPirakagrrrrrrrr.jpg][/url][url=http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=2937][img=http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/Zarohum/Flashpirakavictory.jpg][/url]Enjoy, and please leave feedback if you use them. Or even if you don't. Credit is not needed, since the codes redirect to this topic. Just don't claim credit for them
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Not my best work. The coloring isn't very good due to the fact that I don't own any good coloring programs, so you get the point. There's also an image of Takua without that horribly-colored platform here: http://www.brickshel...k/takuanobg.pngEDIT: The topic name is an error. I don't know how to rename topic if you even can, so can a moderator or something fix that? It's supposed to be Takua and Vakama.I think Vakama turned out better overall. I was too lazy to make a floor for him to stand on and it's still a bit choppy due to the fact that i had to use crayons and colored pencils to color him in. Still, better result, I think.
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Here's my first entry for the Flash Fire Character Design Contest! I chose to draw the Captain of the Guard, Jaller, who should need no further introduction. Click for full size I chose to illustrate him in the same style as a Macku drawing from a couple years back. I think I did a much better job with this drawing than with that one, of course. The pose is less simplistic and I tried to keep the lineart and coloring a lot cleaner.UPDATE: Here's my second entry, the venerable Turaga Vakama! Anyway, questions, comments, and criticism are encouraged! Not sure if I will stand much of a chance in this contest, but it's always great to have a motivation to keep drawing!
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Link Here's my entry for the Flash Fire Contest! (Well, that wasn't too hard. ) Enjoy! -
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Hello guys! I can't believe its finally finished, but here it is: THE TA-KORO SCHOOL.Heck, everybody's got the right to be educated, so why not matoran? Link As always, I shall include a brief explanation of how i got to work on this project. 1. First i drew the basic skeleton of each character. 2. Then i drew the matoran. 3. Tahu was the hard part. first i drew him in full detail, but my style requires simplicity. I went through a lot of different Tahu's, but i think he came out rather well in the end. 4. then i drew the blackboard; it was rather fun thinking up what would go on there. 5. SHADING! shading is what makes a drawing. Without it, the drawing just seems like a dull, flat piece of work, but once shaded, it's like it becomes real. Hope you enjoy it -Dwanny
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Does anyone know why Jaller didn't have a right hand in the comics? He had a sword, and then he had no hand and no sword. Was it cut off? Or was this drawer's error?-Bane
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So what does everyone think about the whole Hewkii & Hafu and Jaller & Hahli romance/side story thing?I thought it was just kinda distracting and out of place. Especially in the Bohrok animations. What do all you think? -
I recently finished putting together all six Toa Mahri in new, revamped forms. I'm pretty happy with most of them.So here they all are: Matoro IceJallerFireKonguAirHahliWaterHewkiiStoneNuparuEarthGroup ShotOneTwoGallery (When Public)Here C&C ??
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Here's number four of my MOCs from the forum downtime, though I don't like him quite as much as the others. Nevertheless, here is what Toa Jala (aka Jaller) could have been: ^Whosever clicks this image, if it be public, shall know the glory of the gallery!^ Here be the rest of the pictures (I apologize for the low quality in some of them; the colors don't photograph well) :Cool/weird picture caused by the flashNormal version of that pictureBackAlternate standing poseAnd, for those of you unfamiliar with him, here is the original Jala.Thanks in advance for any compliments, criticisms, reviews, etc. -
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Ok, this short (or long ) story needs a little explanation. I do not follow canon very closely, particularly with regards to BIONICLE anatomy. I have them about 60% biological (blood, organs, muscles, even hair) and 40% mechanical. They also have familial relationships, children and females and males in all villages. Sorry to anyone who doesn't like it that way, but I think it makes it more fun. This story is rated PG, because of mild romance between Kongu and Sashaya. Chroniclers' Spirit: Takua and Hahli The young girl picked one last cowrie shell out of the white sand, placed it in her pack, and headed for the surface of the sea. She climbed onto a floating platform formed by a living niipa plant, and shook herself dry. A nineteen-year-old native of Ga-koro, she wore a translucent blue Mask of Water Breathing over her face, and plain, undyed clothes under her armor. Her golden-brown hair was neatly braided and her eyes looked by turns green or blue, or a mix of both. “Hahli!” a sweet, clear voice called. “Oh, Haaaaaahliiii!” The teenager smiled to herself, recognizing her cousin’s voice. Then, she heard another familiar voice and her smile vanished. Kongu had come, too. Suppressing a sigh, she reluctantly walked towards the sound. “There you are!” Sashaya, her cousin, cried. Her face was shining with happiness, a look that all but broke Hahli’s heart. “We quicksped to bring you some fresh fruit, now that Kal darktime is pastgone.” Kongu added, holding an enormous basket loaded with the produce of Le-koro, “And Sashaya has some talenews for you, and mother.” “What news?” Hahli asked, understanding only the general idea of Kongu’s treespeak. Sashaya smiled, a little shyly. “I’d like to tell you and mom at the same time. Where is she?” “In the hut, working, I think.” Hahli indicated the family home. “Then quickspeed!” Kongu laughed. “It’s such happygood, I can’t patientwait much longer!” The village flaxmaker, Amaya, appeared at the door of her hut, hearing her daughter’s voice. “Sashaya?” “Hi, mom.” The pretty young woman hurried over to give her parent a hug. “And Kongu, welcome back.” Amaya added, looking past Sashaya to her son-in-law. “It’s been a while.” “Well, with the Kal-bugs on the looserun, I wanted to safekeep my lovely bride.” Kongu explained, giving Amaya a hug as well. “As well you should.” the older woman smiled. “Oh, mom, I have to tell you,” Sashaya burst in impatiently. “I’m going to have a baby!” Tears started to Amaya’s eyes. “I guess my little baby isn’t so little anymore. I’m so happy for you, sweetie.” “That’s great, Sashaya.” Hahli added, genuine joy in her face. “Isn’t it?” Kongu nodded. “I’m gonna be the happyproudest dad on the whole island.” Amaya wiped her happy tears away. “Well, come inside, and we’ll talk about it, and have some tea. Hahli, will you get some oysters, please?” “Sure, Aunt Amaya.” She gave her cousin a quick, gentle hug, then ran off, determined that Sashaya would have everything she wanted while she was here. * * * Hahli sat on the edge of a platform, dangling her legs in the sea. It was eight... no, nine months, since her cousin had married Kongu, the Captain of the Le-koro Gukko Force. Nine long months. They had met when Kongu had been delivering messages for the Turaga during the Siege of the Tren Krom Pass, and Sashaya instantly fell head-over-heels in love. Hahli, however, had remained shy and silent, disliking Kongu’s noisy, boisterous, though good-natured manners. In less than three months, the two were happily married, just a few short weeks after the Toa’s arrival. When Sashaya moved to Le-koro with her husband, visits had been few and far between, since the Bohrok swarms and the Bohrok-Kal had threatened the island soon after Makuta’s death. But the Toa had just defeated the Kal, and peace had at last come to stay on an island that had been at war for far too long. A single tear trickled down Hahli’s cheek. The pain of Sashaya leaving her had not healed. He had so many girls he could’ve picked, she thought unhappily, but I only had Sashaya. It’s not fair. “It’s hard for you, isn’t it, sweetheart?” Amaya asked gently, sitting down next to her niece. “Very.” Hahli glanced at her aunt. “Why did this have to happen? Why couldn’t Sashaya and I stayed with you forever? Or why couldn’t we have been boys?” “Well, I for one prefer that you are you, not a boy.” the Komau-clad woman smiled. “and for another, Sashaya is happy as Kongu’s wife. Do you really not want her to have that? If you could, would you have kept her here?” Hahli sighed. “No.” “Your turn may come too, little ruki fish.” Amaya said after a moment. “When you find that you are willing to leave everything behind to be with someone. Sashaya knew her moment, and now she’s going to have her own family. Just like the tides, you can only stay on the beach for so long. Someday, you have to go out into the open sea.” “But what if my turn doesn’t come?” Hahli protested, kicking at the water. “Will I just have to be lonely and hurt forever?” Amaya frowned, concerned. “No. First of all, you’ve been like a second daughter to me since you were little. I’ll always be here for you, as long as I live. And second, you choose whether or not Sashaya's happiness makes you feel hurt. It can only hurt you as long as you, in your secret heart, say to yourself, ‘I won’t forgive her for leaving me’.” Hahli started. “I’m not mad at her! I’m mad at Kongu!” “Are you? Really?” Amaya answered, standing up. “I’ll see you at suppertime.” Hahli angrily splashed the water with her feet. I’m not mad at Sashaya. I’m can’t be. * * * Over the next few days, Hahli turned the conversation over in her mind. At last, she had to admit, it was Sashaya she was angry with. Angry for leaving her alone... angry for finding a new best friend so quickly... and angry for simply being happy, while she was sad. And that’s not fair of me, Hahli told herself. Why should I be upset, if I really care about her? If I want what’s best for her, not for me, I should be happy she and Kongu ever found each other. On the island of Mata-Nui, marriages between villages were rare, because of the dangers of traveling. Or at least, they had been rare, until the Toa had come. There were six of them - Tahu, Lewa, Gali, Onua, Pohatu, and Kopaka. The Turaga said that they had been sent by the Great Spirit Mata Nui himself, for whom the island was named. They had arrived with no knowledge of the past, or each other; only their names, and questions. Ga-koro’s protector, Gali, was the only female Toa, and the matoran of her village had loved her from the start. She was kind and gentle, ready to help with even their smallest problems. She made a point of learning her people’s names and families, which made her seem not so much a great heroine as a friend. One of the few Toa who pitied even Makuta’s slaves, she still did not hesitate to risk her life to stop them. Makuta. Hahli thought, shuddering. If the Toa hadn’t come, we might all be his slaves now. The Great Spirit’s own brother, Makuta was as evil as Mata Nui was good. When Mata Nui had guided the matoran to the island and given it to them for their home, Makuta’s jealousy finally came to light. He betrayed his brother, throwing him into a deep slumber from which only the Toa could awaken him. He had then plagued the island with his Rahi - wild creatures under his control, because of the infected masks they wore. For nearly a thousand years, they had attacked the villages and killed matoran, keeping communication between villages risky and travel downright deadly. But that dark time was over; the Toa had defeated him. Killed him, really; who could live, after being blasted into a thousand fragments? And now, we get to celebrate another victory, Hahli smiled. And I’ll finally get to see the other Toa, and talk to Sashaya's friends from Le-koro. And maybe the Chronicler will tell some of the stories of the Kal. “Hahli! Snap out of it!” a young man laughed. She shook herself and turned to her friend. “Sorry, Pelagia. I was just... remembering.” “Well, can you remember while we load the boats?” he grinned. “This stuff won’t get to Kini-Nui on it’s own, ya know!” “Right.” she smiled, tossing another sack into the hold. In honor of the Toa’s latest deeds, the Turaga had declared a celebration would be held at Kini-Nui, the great memorial to Mata-Nui in the very center of the island. All the villages would come for the two days of games, food and parties. The Ga-matoran planned to sail from their floating village in the Naho Bay, up the Kaligi River to the lush valley of Kini-Nui. All the matoran were busily packing a few last supplies into the boats, and she was supposed to be helping, not reminiscing. As soon as the last bags were thrown onboard, the Ga-matoran all leaped easily into their canoes. The long boats made of Wakiki palm wood had tall masts in the center, covered by flaxen sails, but the wind would not serve their course today, so all those who could took an oar. “Pull out!” came the command from the helmsman in the back of the canoe. Accordingly, the rows of canoes pulled away from the docks and began sweeping into the open water. While the wind might not be suitable for the larger craft, it worked well for Hahli and a few other young matoran who were on sailboards - small, light wooden surfboards with swingable sails attached - darting in and out of the bigger boats, and riding the waves. In the lead boat, Toa Gali sat talking to Turaga Nokama, the leader of Ga-koro. Without warning, the Toa used her Mask of Levitation to rise up out of the boat, then dove into the water, easily keeping pace with the canoes, and returning a few splashes from her more daring villagers. Using her elemental powers, she summoned a current to help the rowers. Hahli glanced around. Everyone was laughing and happy, talking and singing. Peace, at long last, reigned in her home. * * * She tied her sailboard down and stretched her arms. Four straight hours of sailing was something she enjoyed with her whole heart. But the sight before her was more than enough to make her glad that it was over. In front of the huge stone temple was a large clearing, covered in grass as soft as the finest feathers. A stream ran off the nearby slopes of Mount Ihu, flowing through the temple, and down through the field before joining the river on its journey to the sea. Huge trees surrounded the meadow, giving shade and fruit. Several dozen tents were already set up on the other side of the field; from the pale blue snowflakes embroidered on the white cloth, Hahli knew them to belong to the Ko-matoran, the people of ice. The Ga-matoran moored their boats and scrambled up the bank of the river, which was somewhat steep. Some passed bundles of food and supplies to those on shore, and others began setting up their own camp. A few of the Ko-matoran came over, and after brief greetings, began helping the blue-armored matoran of Ga-koro unpack. As they began setting up bamboo poles for tents and huts, the sound of briskly marching feet was heard from the south. A spurt of flames above the trees confirmed that the Ta-matoran had arrived, and Toa Tahu was with them. Hahli glanced over at the line of red, yellow and fire-orange villagers emerging from the trees. Even at this distance, she easily spotted the blue-masked Chronicler walking in the front. Takua never seemed to quite fit into any of the six villages. He was always accepted, yes, even welcomed, but somehow always different. His blue mask was like the Ga-matoran, but his red body, arm and leg armor matched the fire village. Mentally, he took parts from all six of the elements: he was playful and impulsive, like the Le-matoran; the same wistful curiosity as the water-villagers; direct and friendly, like the Po-matoran; a truth-seeker, like the Onu-matoran; fearless as any Ta-matoran, and thoughtful, like the people of ice. Of course, he also carried some of the faults of the villagers, too: he was somewhat lazy and talkative, a little too blunt sometimes, and perhaps too curious for his own good. But he was most noted for his ability to tell stories. Even the most stoic of the Ko-matoran seemed bewitched by his vivid tales, and he never tired of telling them. Even now, he was probably telling a story, as the Ta-matoran all set up their tents in picture-perfect rows, under the supervision of Jala, the Right Hand of Turaga Vakama, and Captain of the Ta-koro Guard. The Le-matoran arrived later in the morning, flying in on their huge gukko birds and playfully pelting each other and the camp below with over-ripe fruit. The Onu-matoran came marching out of their tunnels near midday, humming a low song of the mines. Just in time for the last meal of the day, Pohatu, Toa Nuva of Stone, sped into the clearing, carrying two Po-matoran on his shoulders. The rest of the Po-koro caravan trotted behind him on maha; the goat-like animals bleated loudly and seemed to think that the party was all in their honor. Hahli and Sashaya, who had never been apart since the Le-matoran had landed, finished cooking the food they would share with everyone, and went to try some of the dishes from the other villages. Some seemed quite odd, and others, downright disgusting. “Yuck!” Hahli whispered, spitting a mushroom into the safety of a bush. “Tastes a a sea sponge rolled in dirt.” “Here, try this. No way mangoes taste like dirty sponges.” Sashaya laughed, placing one on her cousin’s wooden plate. “And don’t try any of the Ta-matoran food. I found out the hard way they like things really spicy.” “This isn’t bad.” Hahli commented, indicating a juicy piece of meat on her plate. “What is it?” “I think it’s volo deer.” She tried a tiny bite and made a face. “Ugh; definitely volo.” “You don’t like it?” a merry voice asked from behind them. Both girls jumped in surprise and turned to see Kongu and Takua, grins on their faces. “I don’t like to think about cute deer getting killed.” Sashaya replied, a little loftily. “I’ll gladly eat your share for you.” Takua laughed. “So you must be--” “My wife, Sashaya. My sister, Hahli.” Kongu finished. “Sashaya, at longlast, you get to seemeet my brotherfriend, Takua.” The Ta-matoran bowed playfully. “You see, Takua was supposed to be childborn a Le-matoran, but he got swapmixed with someone else. Stopended up in Ta-koro, poor guy.” Kongu joked. He handed his wife an orange, knowing it to be her favorite fruit. She rewarded him with a smile that would have melted a takea shark’s heart, if such a thing were possible. Hahli felt her heart sink again. No, no, she told herself. I promised I would learn to be happy for her. To mask her feelings, she forced herself to do something entirely out of character: she turned to Takua and began a conversation. “I heard your story about the trap the Toa made for the Tahnok-Kal. It was really great.” Takua smiled. “Thanks, but I can’t really take any credit for it. First of all, the Toa did all the work, and second, I don’t write the stories; they write themselves.” “Huh?” Hahli frowned. “Well, I mean...” he bit his lip, thinking. “I’ve tried explaining it to other people, but they don’t get it. Do you understand what I mean when I say that words aren’t just words? People don’t always have to talk for words to be there; they just are... they exist, and always will.” She looked down shyly. “I kinda get it.” He shook his head impatiently. “Words, written and spoken, are what set matoran apart from rahi. They communicate in grunts and growls and squeaks, and they only have instinct. But we have emotion and logic, and the words to express them. But we didn’t create words; we were given them by Mata Nui. They exist outside of us. Get it?” Hahli considered. “Yeah; it's like they have a life of their own?” "Exactly." Takua smiled. “Words are a tool and a weapon, just as much as swords and spears are. But words cut more deeply, and heal better than anything else can. They’re metaphysical.” He saw the confusion on her face and added, “They’re not something you can touch, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.” “Yes.” Her Kaukau now wore a smile, too. “I think I get it. But it sounds kind of silly when I say it.” He laughed. “Just because no one else understands it? That doesn't make it silly; it’s just what is. Catch my drift?” “I think I do.” She cocked her head to one side thoughtfully. “Then maybe you’re a storyteller, too.” he commented, glancing around at all the assembled matoran. Some had already finished eating and were back to playing games and sports. Several couples had begun a lively dance, to the tune of a band of matoran from all six villages. “Hey, do you like dancing?” he asked suddenly. Taken by surprise, she answered honestly. “Yeah.” “Then come on.” He took her hand and led her into the cleared lawn. “I asked Nixie to save one for me, but she’s so tired from all the nights she’s been stargazing recently, she’s just going to go to sleep early. Pity; she’ll miss the fireworks.” A moment later, to her own astonishment, Takua pulled her into the line of dancers. As an added surprise, she remembered the lessons her aunt had given her and managed to perform the right steps. As they whirled around with the other matoran, she gathered her courage and spoke. “So, you like Nixie?” Takua’s blue mask flushed red. “Um, well, it’s kinda... ok, yeah, I like her. Just don’t tell Kongu. I’ll never live it down.” Hahli laughed. “She’s really nice. I wish you luck.” “Thanks.” He was silent for a moment. “You know, if I told most of the girls in Ta-koro I liked someone else while I was dancing with them, they wouldn’t take it so well. How come you do?” She frowned. “Why would I be upset? I like Nixie, and you’re a hero. I think you’d be great together.” He laughed. “Ok, we’re going to be pals.” Hahli focused her energies on the dance, feeling the movements and trying to remember all the steps. It’s like a river, she remembered her aunt saying. There are strong currents and soft eddies, but they always keep flowing towards the same place. A dance is just another stream to be traveled. Keeping that in mind, she found she was actually having fun. Takua was such an easy, friendly person, that it seemed impossible to be shy around him. When the dance ended, she was breathless, but happy. “Thanks, Chronicler. That was fun.” He grinned. “Hey, if we’re going to be friends, you have to call me Takua. And thanks for being so nice while stepping on my feet.”Before she could even blush, a horn sounded, signaling the beginning of a kohlii game somewhere in the field. As the call ceased, a voice could be heard yelling, “Taaaaaakuuuuuaaaa!” “Oops.” The Ta-matoran smacked his forehead. “I was supposed to play in one of the matches!” “The field isn’t far; maybe you can still make it.” she suggested. “I’d better, or Jala will throw me into the Mangai.” he groaned. “Come on!” They ran across the green swath to the stone kohlii field Toa Pohatu had made. Since these games were just for fun, and not the serious tournament, amateurs and veterans alike teamed up and competed. Although there was still some betting done, even on these small games, the atmosphere was much less intense than the Great Games, which were played every six years. At least, every six until the last seventy years, Hahli thought. When the rahi attacks became really intense, the tournaments were canceled. This is the first year they’ll be played since before I was born. While the games may not have been serious, the Ta-matoran standing at the south entrance with his arms crossed certainly was. “We’re up next. I figured you’d be late, so I gave you a few minutes to get here.” Takua rolled his eyes. “Thanks for yelling my name all over the camp, like I’m a lost maha.” The other Ta-matoran frowned. “You act like one, so it’s appropriate.” He noticed Hahli and nodded to her politely. “I don’t think we’ve met.” Hahli flushed and hoped desperately her mask wouldn’t show it. She had instantly recognized him as the great Captain Jala himself, the hero of countless battles all across the island. Her mouth felt dry and her tongue wouldn’t obey her brain. She managed a slight curtsy. “Hahli, meet my bossy friend, Jala.” Takua grinned. “Jala, my non-bossy-actually-nice friend, Hahli.” Jala tapped his fingers impatiently. “Nice to meet you, Miss Hahli. Takua, let’s go; we have to be ready when the match starts.” “You act like it’s a Naming Day ceremony.” Takua grumbled. “Hahli, you wanna wait in the stands until after the game? Me and a couple friends are gonna climb to the top of the temple to watch the fireworks. Kongu said he and Sashaya were coming, too.” She smiled. “I’d like that. Thanks.” Jala was practically dragging the Chronicler away, but he managed to tap his fist against hers in the Toa’s gesture of unity and comradeship. I wonder how he does that, she thought. It's almost like Takua... Understands me. * * * Another rocket flew into the air, giving off a high scream as it burst into a million stars, which floated gently back to the ground. Hahli felt her muscles tense as the bang went off and the sparkles rained over the field. “It’s so beautiful.” Sashaya murmured, sitting in between her cousin and her husband. “I’ve never seen fireworks before.” “That makes two of us.” Kongu nodded. “The firespitters must be too hardworking to craftmake them often.” “Yeah.” Takua laughed, giving Kongu a friendly punch in the arm. “I was surprised they even knew how to make something just for fun.” “Oh, grow up, will you?” Jaller shook his head. Takua grinned. “So not happening, dude.” The Captain rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the new wave of rockets that were rising through the air. “I wish I knew how they make them.” Hahli whispered to Sashaya. “Then I’d make them for all our birthdays.” The young woman laughed. “I’ll be happy if you just bring me some fresh oysters for my birthday. All the fruit and plants the Le-matoran eat are delicious, but once in a while, I just want fish again.” “You’re not happy in Le-koro?” Kongu asked, faking sorrow. Sashaya only laughed again and kissed him. “You know better.” Takua whistled sharply. “Too much romance on the field! One-point penalty!” Hahli laughed. Takua was right - somehow, they were already friends.
