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This is my entry for Short Stories Contest #8: Title Twisters. I took the title of Comic #3, "The Triumph of the Toa," and wrote a story based around that, as per the contest rules.So enough of my somewhat useless rambling. Here is the story itself:Sitting in front of the campfire, Turaga Mohadias rubbed the forehead of his Mask of Flight. Around the campsite were six Matoran villagers. They looked worn, tired, and discouraged, which Mohadias understood. They had just escaped their village, which had been attacked by the new ruler of the universe, Makuta Teridax. Even now, a week after their escape, Mohadias could still remember in vivid detail the armies of Rahkshi, Visorak, and other monstrosities overrunning homes, wrecking gardens and fields, killing any Matoran that opposed their master’s will.Mohadias had been a brave Toa once before, but that did not mean he was stupid. He had fled the village in order to join the rebellion – which he had overheard two of Teridax’s minions talking about – that had sprung up shortly after Teridax’s rise to power. Once he and his Matoran joined this rebellion, they would work with it to bring down Teridax. It was a good plan, in Mohadias’s opinion, one that should have worked perfectly.But now, a week later, Mohadias had still not found this rebellion. No matter where he and his Matoran went, they couldn’t find it. Everyone they had met was too afraid to fight Teridax, which made Mohadias wonder if this rebellion existed at all. Or perhaps it had already been crushed by Teridax. If so, then Mohadias and his Matoran were doomed to failure.Did I lead my Matoran into the wilderness for nothing? Mohadias thought as he watched the villagers sitting around the fire, talking among themselves. Maybe it would have been better to stay in our village. Then again, we would have been destroyed by Teridax’s armies anyway. Running is the only thing we can do now.Just then, Nurmaz – a Ta-Matoran who had been brave enough (or foolish enough, Mohadias thought cynically) to follow Mohadias – came up to the Turaga. Nurmaz’s left arm was in a sling; the result of an injury he had taken from a Rahkshi while escaping the village. Still, Nurmaz had not let it slow him down, nor had he complained about it, either. For that Mohadias was grateful, as it was hard enough already to lead uninjured Matoran who did complain.“Yes, Nurmaz?” asked Mohadias. “What is the problem?”“No problem, Turaga,” said Nurmaz, shaking his head. “I just wanted to hear a story from you.”Although Mohadias did not show it, he was amazed. Nurmaz wanted to hear a story, right now? What could have possessed the Ta-Matoran to want to listen to a story while he and his friends were constantly on the run, aware that every day could be their last? Had Nurmaz lost it or did he really not understand the seriousness of their situation?Mohadias wanted to tell Nurmaz point blank no, he would not tell him a story and to go back and tend to the fire. But Mohadias restrained himself. Turaga were supposed to be wise and patient. He would not look very wise or patient if he yelled at Nurmaz, especially for such a minor thing as wanting to hear a story.So Mohadias took a deep breath and said, “All right, Nurmaz. I will tell you a story, then.”Nurmaz smiled, which made Mohadias feel a little better. “Good. But I’m not the only one who wants to hear a story. Let me go get the others first.”Mohadias nodded, and in a few seconds all six Matoran were gathered around the Turaga. Most of them appeared interested in hearing the story, but Mohadias could see Kanderias – a Matoran of Plasma – sitting with his arms folded. Sorox clearly didn’t think this was the time for storytelling, either, but as Mohadias did not see any harm in this, he decided to comply with Nurmaz’s request.“Good to see you are all here,” said Mohadias, looking at them. “What story would you like to hear?”“Tell us the story of the triumph of the Toa,” said Nurmaz, who Mohadias noticed was sitting close to Cina, a Ga-Matoran. “That is, the triumph of the Toa Avha.”Again Mohadias did not understand Nurmaz’s motives. In Mohadias’s opinion, listening to the story of the triumph of some mythical Toa team would not help them in the slightest. It would entertain them for a few minutes, maybe, but after that they would return to cold reality. He didn’t see how it could help them defeat Teridax or even find safety.But at the same time, Mohadias, again, saw no real harm in it. He was getting weary of fear and anxiety, the two emotions he had experienced the most during the past week. Telling the Matoran a story might help him relax and think of a plan. At the very least it might ease up tensions in the camp, which had been escalating due to the lack of adequate food, water, and shelter.“The tale of the triumph of the Toa Avha is a good story,” said Mohadias, forcing a smile. “Let’s see if I can remember how it started . . .”Mohadias thought for a moment, for it had been a long time since he had last told this particular tale. Or it seemed like a long time, anyway. The last time he had told it was the night of the destruction of their village a week ago. To Mohadias, as he reflected on that night, it seemed like a cruel twist of fate that he should tell a story of triumph on the night of their defeat.Again he privately questioned Nurmaz’s reasons for wanting to hear this story. Nurmaz and the others had been there the last time Mohadias had told this story. So why did Nurmaz insist that Mohadias tell a story that would only bring back painful memories to everyone present? Was Nurmaz really that cruel? Or was he just terribly, terribly naïve?None of the other Matoran appeared bothered by it, but Mohadias still felt annoyed. If he hadn’t decided a story might make him feel better, Mohadias would have refused to tell this tale at all. Mohadias decided he would simply give them the shortened version, if only to spare them the pain of having to listen to this ironic tale.So Mohadias said, “Now I remember. It started a long time ago, before any of us were even thought of. It was in the time before time, when a great shadow conquered many lands. This shadow sought to create an empire and place itself on the same level as the Great Spirit himself. What was worse was that this shadow had once been a friend of the other inhabitants in the universe, but as a shadow cannot hide in the light, so this shadow could not hide its true colors for long.”None of the Matoran said anything. Nurmaz was eagerly listening, without a hint of the irony of their situation. Mohadias wondered if maybe Nurmaz was fatalistic, wanting to listen to a story when the whole universe was under the rule of the worst shadow of all.“But not all hope was lost. Six Toa – who called themselves ‘Avha,’ an old word meaning ‘Light Saviors’ – appeared from nowhere. They struck hard and fast against the shadow empire, but despite this, they were not strong enough to overthrow the evil that controlled the universe. There were only six of them and thousands of shadows. Not to mention that the six Great Shadows who led the minor shadows were strong enough individually to take on six Toa.”Nurmaz and the other Matoran looked very interested now. Even Kanderias seemed intrigued by the story, even though all of the villagers had heard this tale at some point or another. Mohadias assumed it was simply a very interesting story, for it didn’t seem particularly relevant to their situation.“And the Toa Avha had internal divisions, too. They could not agree on who should lead the team. The Toa of Lightning and Toa of Plasma especially clashed, once even coming to physical blows over the problem of leadership. Indeed, for a while there the Toa Avha appeared to be jesters rather than heroes, so the shadow did not care about them, believing that these new heroes would simply kill each other in their disunity or even disband entirely. It seemed that the bright light of the Avha was destined to shine for a brief time only.”Mohadias cleared his throat and continued: “But the shadow underestimated its foes. The Toa Avha eventually settled their leadership disputes, uniting under the leadership of the Toa of Lightning, who was called Klio. Now unified, the Toa Avha fought back against the shadow empire with even more ferocity than before. Storming the shadows’ fortress, the Toa Avha defeated the Great Shadows, causing the entire empire to collapse. They then expelled the shadow and its minions from the universe for all time, saving the universe from the forces of evil. And that is the triumph of the Toa Avha, a tale of bravery and heroism even in the face of division, trials, and uncertainty.”When Mohadias finished, all of the Matoran thanked him for telling the story. Mohadias accepted their thanks, but as soon as they left to return to whatever tasks they had been doing before, Mohadias took Nurmaz aside. He could not hold it in any longer. Mohadias needed to know what Nurmaz was thinking, asking to hear that story in this situation.“Nurmaz,” said Mohadias, once the other Matoran were out of earshot.“Yes, Turaga?” said Nurmaz.“First, let me say that I am not angry with you, Nurmaz,” said Mohadias, checking his temper. “But I must ask: Why did you ask for a story of triumph when we were defeated not long ago? It only reminds the Matoran of the reality of their situation, which is just going to depress them and crush their hope.”Nurmaz looked liked he had been expecting Mohadias to say this. “I understand what you’re saying, Turaga, but I think you missed my point.”Now Mohadias was confused. “Missed your point? What do you mean?”“I mean,” said Nurmaz, much more patiently than Mohadias would have said it, “that I asked you tell us that story to inspire hope and courage in us. Mata Nui is gone, we lost our village to monsters, and we’ve been on the run for a week. I just noticed how down and depressed everyone was. I even heard Kan talking about just giving up, since no one is strong enough to take on Teridax.”Mohadias looked at Nurmaz in amazement. “Let me get this straight. You think that, by telling the Matoran about the triumph of the Toa Avha, it might inspire them to remain courageous? To give them hope that someday we can triumph over Teridax, just as the Toa Avha defeated the shadows?”“Yeah,” said Nurmaz, nodding. “That’s exactly what I mean. That tale always inspired me whenever I failed, so I thought it might work for them, too. I’m sorry if I messed up, though. I didn’t think it would hurt.”“No, no,” said Mohadias, shaking his head. “No, your motives were pure. I just didn’t understand why you would want to listen to a story when there were more important things to worry about.”Nurmaz chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it does seem kind of trivial when you put it that way.” He looked toward the fire and said, “Um, Turaga, the fire is getting low. I think I should return to tending it.”“All right,” said Mohadias, gesturing to the fire. “You’ve put my concerns to rest, I think. Thanks.”“You’re welcome, Turaga,” said Nurmaz, nodding. “Now if you will excuse me . . .”He walked toward the fire, but Mohadias saw him go over to Cina and talk to her instead.I figured as much, Mohadias thought. The fire didn’t look that low to me, anyway.But as Mohadias sat back down, he wondered if maybe Nurmaz was wiser than he. Nurmaz had been right: The Matoran needed hope. Without the hope that they, like the legendary Toa Avha, could triumph over the darkness, it would be impossible to defeat Teridax. Mohadias wondered if Nurmaz would make a better Turaga than he someday.The Matoran need all the hope they can get, Mohadias thought. Hope is what drives us. Without hope, we would not even be in the situation. Maybe telling them that story did give them hope. Or maybe it did not, but I hope it did.Comments, criticism, etc are all welcome .-TNTOS-
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What Lurks Below Takanuva stepped into the meeting room, noting the rather tense atmosphere between the current inhabitants.“Toa Takanuva.” Turaga Dume’s voice echoed lightly off the walls. “Welcome. I am glad you could make it.”The Toa of light nodded politely even though the Turaga didn’t seem particularly happy about anything at all.“We shall wait a moment longer for Toa Onua and Turaga Whenua to arrive, and then start.” Turaga Dume informed the group, sounding thoroughly downcast.Takanuva glanced over at Jaller, who shrugged, looking confused. Hahli and Kongu both sat on either side of the Toa of fire, both with the same expression on their faces that Takanuva was feeling. Nuparu was absentmindedly tinkering with some new invention, while Hewkii would occasionally prod him and whisper something about moving one piece elsewhere. The five present Toa Nuva all looked slightly worried that Onua had yet to arrive. The six Turaga all had looks of great sorrow- and was that fear?“Let us begin this meeting.” Turaga Dume sighed.“We should wait longer.” Tahu interrupted, leaning forward. “I am sure that Onua will arrive soon.”“No Tahu, he won’t.” Turaga Vakama replied, ignoring a furious look from Turaga Dume. “Nor will Turaga Whenua.”“Why do you say that, Turaga?” Tahu questioned, shrugging off Kopaka’s warning hand.“If you will listen, Toa, I shall explain.” Turaga Dume said curtly.Tahu sat back in his seat, gesturing for the old Turaga to continue.“Seven days ago, a team of five Onu-Matoran discovered strange new tunnels in the Archives below Onu-Metru.” Turaga Dume began. “Curious, they entered the tunnels to investigate. They were reported missing hours later when they did not turn up for evening inspection.”“What does this have to do with us?” Takanuva asked, finding he was unable to stay silent.Turaga Dume glared at him before continuing. “None of the Matoran could be found until two mornings ago, when three stumbled out of the Archives entrance in Ga-Metru. One was unconscious and carried by the others. One had been driven completely insane. The third has not spoken anything since informing us of where the tunnels were found.”“What about the other two team members?” Nuparu questioned, abandoning his project.“They are presumed dead.” Turaga Dume replied darkly.Nuparu fell silent as the Turaga continued.“Toa Onua and Turaga Whenua went down to investigate that afternoon. Neither of them has been heard from since. All that we have managed to find without going too far in was Turaga Whenua’s notepad, upon which he appears to have only had time to determine how the tunnels were made.” Turaga Dume explained. “We fear they have found whatever that team of Archivists ran into- and believe they are in grave need of help.”As he finished speaking, silence enveloped the room. The hopeless feelings of the Turaga were evident, as well as the stunned reactions of all the Toa, before Jaller finally spoke.“You sent in a Turaga to deal with something that drove a Matoran mad?!” he exclaimed. “Why not send all of us? Why not send Nuparu, at least?”“Thanks Jaller. I love you too.” Nuparu muttered.“Onua was our most experienced Toa of earth.” Turaga Vakama responded. “Turaga Whenua was the most knowledgeable Archivist we know. It made sense for them to search. We did not send all of you because we were afraid this would happen, and we would be unable to do anything about it.”Jaller fell silent.“So you want us all to search now.” Tahu spoke again. “For Onua, Whenua, and the two missing Matoran.”“Not just two Matoran.” Turaga Dume cut in; his face twisted into what Takanuva could only guess was fear or anger. “Over the years, there have been many reports of Archivists disappearing in that area, but only if they were alone. That was why it was a team exploring that area last week.”Takanuva considered activating his Kanohi to provide some optimism, but decided against it. Now wasn’t the time.“When do we leave?” he asked.“You volunteer already?” Turaga Onewa croaked from his seat in the corner (which Takanuva now noticed was not actually at the table). “You are foolish, Toa.”“All Toa are.” Takanuva retorted. “Otherwise we wouldn’t do what we do.”Turaga Onewa nodded in agreement, and Turaga Dume began to speak once more.“Who else will volunteer for this job?”Tahu’s hand was the first to hit the table.“I will go on this mission.” He announced, glancing at Jaller and Takanuva. “This team will need every source of light it can get.”Jaller didn’t need the hint; he was already speaking himself.“I will join as well.”The rest of the Toa each volunteered too, giving Takanuva both a dose of confidence and a dose of fear.“It is decided.” Turaga Dume nodded gravely. “Go, Toa. And I pray that you will return.”Takanuva stood, his chair scraping against the floor as he pushed it back. The other Toa did the same.“Farewell Turaga.” Takanuva replied, tension forming a knot in his stomach. “See you later.”I hope.Later on, Onu-Metru, the Archives:The group halted in front of a single tunnel. It was roughly the height of a Toa and a half, and looked wide enough for two Toa to stand next to each other. It was completely dark inside it, and Takanuva could feel something ancient in the air.“It looks wide enough for us to go two at a time.” Tahu observed. “Kopaka and I will take the front, followed by Takanuva and Hahli. Hewkii and Kongu will follow, and then Pohatu and Jaller. Gali and Nuparu will be behind them, and Lewa can bring up the rear.”Takanuva glanced at the Toa Nuva of air, who looked visibly shaken.“You alright Lewa?” he asked.“Y-yes... everything is good-fine...” Lewa replied nervously.“Alright; fall in.” Tahu ordered.Takanuva turned around and found Hahli. Once Tahu and Kopaka had entered the tunnel, they did so as well.“Takanuva, turn on your light.” Tahu ordered.The Toa of light raised his palm and an orb of light appeared, illuminating most of the group. Nuparu winced at the change, but the others looked reassured.“This place is creepy.” Jaller whispered. “I think we should have two Toa in the back.”“Fine, join Lewa.” Tahu replied without turning around. “You fine with that, Lewa?”Lewa didn’t reply.“Lewa! Are you fine with Jaller joining you?” Tahu asked louder.No response again. Tahu sighed in frustration.“Gali, Nuparu, make him reply.” He ordered.The Toa Mahri of earth turned, and Jaller created an orb of flame to illuminate the passageway. Nuparu jumped back when the end of the line was revealed, and Gali gasped.“W-Where is Lewa?” Nuparu questioned, his voice trembling. “T-There wasn’t any sound....”Takanuva felt fear rising in his chest, but pushed it down.“We have to keep going.” He told them all. “Perhaps Lewa was taken by whatever took Onua and Whenua.”“Takanuva is right.” Tahu decided frustration evident in his voice. “Nuparu and Gali, be extra careful.”The group continued along, until they reached a large, round cavern. Six different passageways branched away from it. Tahu cursed.“We pick one and take it.” He ordered. “Nobody is to split up. Do you understand?”Everyone replied except for Nuparu, and Takanuva’s heartlight felt cold.“Nuparu?” Kongu called.No answer.Takanuva was about to speak when a terrible screeching echoed throughout the cavern, bouncing off the walls, making it impossible to pinpoint the location. Kongu and Pohatu both sped into a tunnel to their right, while Gali and Hewkii went to the left. Takanuva hesitated before running after Kongu and Pohatu, Hahli still at his side.“Are we going to disappear one by one?” Hahli asked him, fear in her eyes.“I don’t know.” Takanuva replied. “It seems like it. This means we need to be fast.”He crashed into something and he tumbled to the floor, his light winking out.“Put that thing back on!” Kongu yelled from on top of him. “Put it on now!”The Toa of light sighed with relief. He’d crashed into a Toa of air, not something from the shadows. He stood, activating his orb of light again. Hahli screamed when she saw the wall. Nuparu’s shield was embedded in the rock, and his Cordak blaster was in pieces.“I tripped over the blaster.” Pohatu told them sadly. “He must have wounded whatever it was.”“Why would he go off on his own, though?” Hahli questioned, shaking. “Tahu told us....”“He was taken.” Takanuva told her gently. “He... he fought back.”“We need to move on.” Jaller’s voice came from behind them as he approached. “If Nuparu did injure whatever it is, we need to move fast. There’s no telling what it’s done to him or Onua or Lewa.”Takanuva nodded. “Where are the others?”Jaller shook his head, shrugging. “They all split up into the different tunnels.”Takanuva activated his Kanohi, spreading feelings of optimism in the surrounding Toa.“Let’s go then.” Kongu said regretfully. “We need to find Nuparu.”Takanuva took the lead, guiding Hahli away from the scene by the arm. After a moment she shook him off, continuing on her own. Jaller and Pohatu took the middle, and Kongu the rear.“We should try and regroup with some of the others.” Kongu told them. “Otherwise-”The Toa of air suddenly fell quiet, and Takanuva didn’t need to look back to know what had happened- but he did anyway. When he did so, there was no sign Kongu had ever been there- just a long, hollow blackness. Takanuva shivered, and knew that they were being hunted.“It’s only a matter of time until we’re all taken.” Jaller told them, trembling. “Let’s... let’s go.”They were turning back around, preparing to continue when the sounds of feet thudding on the rock began approaching from behind, and curses could be heard.“Behind or in front?!” Takanuva exclaimed.Pohatu felt the wall. “In front.”Jaller lead the charge towards it; they ran for thirty seconds before crashing into three others.“No! Go the other way!” Tahu cried out. “It’s coming! Run! It took Gali!”Takanuva’s light had dimmed to the point where he could only make out Kopaka standing right beside him as he pulled Pohatu to his feet and began running in the direction they’d come. After several minutes, the group reached the circular cavern they’d been in before.“Get us a light!” Tahu whispered hoarsely.Takanuva sent a light to float over their heads, illuminating the entire chamber. He could see Pohatu, Hahli, Tahu, Kopaka, and Hewkii.“Where’s Jaller?” he questioned. “Jaller!”“He’s gone.” Kopaka responded harshly. “Shut up, and stop revealing our position.”Sorrow washed over Takanuva, and he buried his head in his hands. His best friend was gone just like that. A reassuring hand rested itself on his shoulder, but Takanuva didn’t look up.“We need to keep moving.” Pohatu’s voice said gently. “Come on, Takanuva. Without you, we’re lost.”Takanuva nodded, standing to his feet. Tahu was waiting at another tunnel.“Let’s go.” The Toa Nuva of fire ordered. “We don’t have all day.”Takanuva followed him into the tunnel; one they were all in, a whoosh was heard and Hewkii swore.“Pohatu’s gone.” The Toa Mahri of stone announced. “It seems to be getting-”His voice vanished. Tahu broke into a run, and the others followed. Takanuva could feel the fear, the horror, and the tension sparking through the air between them.“Gotta-find-somewhere-safe.” Kopaka muttered.“You think?” Tahu muttered.Takanuva glanced away from Tahu to check on Kopaka and Hahli- and then another whoosh, a blast of heat, and Tahu was gone.“Everything’s going wrong.” Kopaka muttered.Takanuva glanced ahead again, firing a laser of light to no avail. Suddenly, he and Hahli were blasted forward and the tunnel became freezing cold, a cocoon of it beginning to form around him and Hahli.“Kopaka...” Hahli trailed off.“We’re the last ones left.” Takanuva confirmed, breaking out of the ice. “It’s freezing in here. I don’t think we’ll see it for a little-”He hesitated, listening.“Hahli?”“Not Hahli.” A voice croaked. “She is gone. We must find its hideout. You were foolish to come here.”Takanuva turned around. The voice belonged to Onua, Toa Nuva of earth.Hours Later, the Archives:“How come it hasn’t attacked again?” Takanuva questioned.“It thrives on shadow.” Onua replied, his voice still scratchy. “You repel It. It waits for a better opportunity to strike.”“And you?”“It knows I fear It. It has no need to worry about me.”“You speak of “It” as if that’s its title.” Takanuva observed.“I do not know what It is called, so that is what I called It.” Onua croaked.“How did you get away?” Takanuva asked.Onua fell silent; for the last several hours he’d refused to speak about his experience with It. Takanuva sighed in frustration before trying a different question.“Are we close?”“Yes... very close.” Onua wheezed, coughing. “I must... I must warn you about Turaga Whenua. He is not the same... and some of your friends may not be either.”A faint hissing could now be heard; Takanuva readied for battle. Onua chuckled dryly.“No need for that, Toa. That sound is not It. That is Whenua’s defence against It.”“And it works?”“It has not bothered him for awhile, so I suppose it does.” Onua said sadly.Then Takanuva’s light revealed a chamber. It was smaller than the cavern he’d seen earlier in the day, but still large enough to house twelve Toa comfortably- if it hadn’t been located in the scariest place in Metru-Nui.“There he is.” Onua pointed. “Turaga Whenua.”The Turaga looked worse for wear; his staff was gone and one of his arms was twisted at an odd angle. At the sight of Onua the Turaga mumbled several things under his breath before continuing with the hissing.“What’s wrong with him?” Takanuva queried.“Driven mad by It.” Onua coughed. “It will do that to you, should you not escape.”“This place is enough to drive someone mad.” Takanuva muttered. “Turaga Whenua, come. We are leaving.”“No escape.” The Turaga replied. “It comes and feeds all the days. No escape from the Archived City. No escape from the puzzle. The day is a holiday of the first kind....”Takanuva glanced at Onua questioningly; the Toa of earth shrugged before picking up the Turaga with no effort. Whenua did nothing to stop him.“I thought he didn’t want to leave.” Takanuva commented.“His mind is not the same, nor is mine.” Onua informed him. “You would do well to remember that, Toa of light.”The two of them made their way out a different tunnel. After several minutes, Takanuva discovered a pool of water at the bottom of a section that sloped upwards.“This was not here before.” Onua murmured. “Curious, is it not?”“It’s Gali or Hahli!” Takanuva exclaimed, rushing up the slope.At the top he found Hahli, bruised and worn out, but clearly happy to see another Toa.“Are you alright?” Takanuva asked, crouching down to help her up.The Toa Mahri of water nodded as she stood, smiling weakly when Onua made it over the slope with Turaga Whenua.“We have found another Toa.” Onua coughed quietly. “Good, good. Let us begin our journey back to the surface once again. If we are lucky, a few of the others will be in this hall as well.”As they made the journey back through the tunnels, they found Lewa wandering the tunnels fine but alone and frightened roughly an hour after the finding of Hahli. Tahu was found beaten near death to the point that he had to be carried by the others. Hewkii found them two hours into the journey, having broken out of a stone cocoon trap.“I think some of the others might be in them too.” Hewkii told them. “And I saw Kopaka frozen completely in a block of ice.”The knowledge that he could’ve saved Kopaka infuriated Takanuva, but he continued on his way.“Why hasn’t It attacked us?” Lewa questioned. “It’s been hours.”“I think we’ve been in here close to a day now.” Takanuva told him. “Half of that I’ve spent with it not being near us. It’s waiting for something.”“You become wiser, Toa of light.” Onua nodded gravely. “It does not wish for us to leave. We could feed it for many months.”“Feed it?” Hewkii questioned. “What do you mean?”“Feeding necessary for all life forms.” Whenua muttered. “It must feed always. We’ll be here forever. The fourth law of the conservation of Rahkshi is....”Hewkii glanced at the Turaga questioningly, and then to Takanuva and Onua.“I mean precisely what I said.” Onua replied with his new grating voice. “If you stay down here long enough, you will learn what I mean.”Hewkii fell silent, and Takanuva smiled grimly, shifting Tahu a bit to try and get a little relief in his muscles. Then the group halted, as the sounds of someone- or something panting heavily reached them.“Is that...?” Lewa trailed off.Onua shook his head as Jaller came into view. The Toa Mahri of fire’s eyes burned with desperation and his tools were gone. His armour had new scars and bits of... something were scattered over him. Jaller’s Kanohi was pitted and had a scratch down the left side.“Jaller... are you all right?” Takanuva tried.“So dark... so cold... always cold, so dark....” Jaller muttered as he stumbled towards them, limping badly. “So many... everywhere... all the shadows... so dark... so cold....”Takanuva turned, dismayed, to Onua, who bowed his head.“Jaller has survived and escaped from a direct encounter with It.” Onua told him. “He is lucky his condition is not worse.”Tahu stirred, waking up.“Where am I?” the Toa Nuva of fire groaned weakly. “Put me down.”Takanuva and Hahli set him down gently; he staggered before leaning on the wall. Jaller seemed to recognize them for the first time.“You are a Toa.” He said, squinting at Takanuva. “You are very bright... I know you.”Jaller glanced at the rest of the Toa assembled, nodding to each of them in turn.“I know all of you!” he continued proudly.Takanuva felt a lump in his throat, and he continued on his way, guiding Jaller and Tahu with him. Hahli placed a hand on his arm, glancing at him in worry.“He’ll be alright, Takanuva.” She whispered. “And we’ll save the others. Everything is going to be alright. We just need more time, and more of a plan next time.”“More of a plan....” Takanuva repeated. “That might be suitable.”A screech behind them made the entire group jump; Whenua and Jaller began scrambling, and Takanuva and Onua had to struggle to keep a hold on them.“We must run!” Onua whispered hoarsely. “It’s out only chance!”“Bad thing is coming!” Whenua muttered frantically. “Must run! Must hide! Hiss!”The Turaga began hissing loudly, but the screeching continued to grow closer.“Hiss is not working!” Jaller mumbled. “Run away from it!”The Toa Mahri of fire broke free of his bonds and bolted in the direction he’d originally come from; Lewa immediately began to follow.“Go!” Onua yelled, throwing Whenua onto his shoulder and running past them. “If you stay here, you will see horrors the likes of which you can never imagine!”Takanuva shoved Hahli in front of him and she followed Onua; Tahu stumbled and fell to the ground, crying out in pain. One glance told Takanuva that Tahu wasn’t walking anywhere.“Hewkii!” he called. “I need help!”The Toa Mahri of stone summoned up a wall of rock to appear behind them, and then rushed over. The two of them picked up Tahu and ran; after a minute the wall of rock could be heard falling apart behind them.“Did you do that?” Takanuva asked as they ran, gasping for breath. “Please tell me you did....”“No, that’s It.” Hewkii replied, sucking in a breath.Everything became a blur as they ran through the tunnel. Lewa fell down, dragged himself up, and kept going. Hahli was saved from tripping by Jaller, who appeared to be recovering slightly from his experiences earlier. Whenua thrashed in Onua’s arms as the screeching chased after them from behind, forcing the Toa Nuva of earth to knock him out. Hewkii collapsed and Lewa took up the burden with Tahu, Hahli pulling the Toa Mahri of stone to his feet.“We’re almost there!” the Toa of water urged as they reached the cavern from before. “Run! We’ll be out soon!”“It will not follow us into the Archives!” Onua called. “Make it there, we survive!”The screeching sounded as if it had sped up, causing Jaller to scream in horror. It was a horrible sound to hear coming from a Toa, and the rest of them sped up in a battle to get out first. The tunnel grew smaller as they grew closer to the exit; Takanuva and Lewa were forced into last place as they tried to get Tahu out safely. Up ahead, Takanuva could hear Jaller woop with pleasure as he escaped, followed by Onua’s cry of triumph.“Takanuva, hurry!” Hahli called from ahead. “You’re almost there!”Lewa fell down and didn’t get up. Crying out in desperation, Takanuva threw Tahu ahead of them and began dragging Lewa behind him. Hewkii shoved Tahu up and the two began hopping away. Weakness began to spread through Takanuva’s limbs, as well as hopelessness.“Leave me behind.” Lewa coughed as he failed to stand. “I’m too weak....”“No....” Takanuva shook his head. “Gotta be It’s doing... we can do this....”He pulled as hard as he could on Lewa, and the Toa of air pushed himself to the limits. Takanuva heard Hewkii’s cry of relief, signalling his exit from the tunnel. The screeching was nearby; one minute and they were gone.“COME ON, LEWA!” Takanuva screamed. “We WILL do this!”The Toa Nuva of air got to his feet and helped Takanuva stand, and the two stumbled along.“I remember this....” Lewa muttered. “So close....”They were there; the two of them stumbled out of the tunnel into the waiting arms of Hewkii and Hahli, as Onua made the tunnel entrance collapse. Takanuva sobbed with relief, hugging Hahli, Hewkii, and Lewa close in a death grip.“We made it out!” Lewa laughed. “We’re alive....”Onua stabbed a pole into the earth that had been the tunnel entrance, and Tahu burnt a marker into it. Takanuva let go of the others and stumbled to them.“We’ll have to go back, won’t we?” Hewkii asked from behind them.“Some of us, yes.” Takanuva sighed, staring at the marker burnt into the dirt.Onua nodded, sadness etched in his face. Tahu sat back wearily beside Jaller and Turaga Whenua on the opposite wall. Turning around, Takanuva glanced up towards the entrance to the Archives at the top of a ladder nearby.“Do the honours, Takanuva.” Lewa invited. “Show us the daylight.”Summoning the last of his strength, Takanuva began to climb. When he reached the top, he gave a mighty push and the entrance scraped open, allowing sunlight to pour in. The Toa of light climbed out, helping Tahu, Jaller, and Whenua before the others joined him.“Daylight....” Hahli said wistfully. “It’s wonderful.”Takanuva smiled, and the others did too. Sure, they’d have to enter those tunnels again, but for now, they could enjoy the sunshine. After all, what would they be without it?The End.How was it? My apologies for the length, it ended up being longer than I anticipated. However, I think it might be alright.Reviews are much appreciated, as this is only my third serious Bionicle story.-ibrow
