Nuju's Stories

Following is a collection of stories, told to me (Matoro) from Nuju, and then translated for your benefit. The first part, Enslavement, is the story of Tahu's arrival and his search for the Kanohi.

Enslavement

I     A large canister fell from the skies, splashing into the ocean. It drifted on ocean currents, coming in sight of land. . . Mata Nui, the island paradise that was paradise no more. The canister floated toward the island where the waves deposited it onto the beach. For some time, the canister lay there, immobile and alone. Soon more canisters drifted to the pristine, sandy beach. The first canister hissed, first slowly, then with increasing pressure. The top flew off, with it pieces. . . Soon, the pieces put themself together, forming themself into a being. All along the shores, this process was repeated. One being, armed with a fire-bladed sword, strode off down the beach, to the Mangai Volcano. . .

II     The Tohunga warrior entered the dwelling of Turaga Vakama of Ta-koro. A Tohunga from any other village could not have stood the heat, both  the natural heat of Ta-koro, being nestled in the Mangai Volcano, and the  heat emanating from  the large fire burning in the middle of the room. But since this Tohunga was native to Ta-Koro,  he did not even notice the stifling heat.       The warrior looked around. It seemed that the Turaga was not present. The warrior had promised Commander Jala that he would tell Vakama about the trouble brewing at the gates of Ta-Koro. He could not return to the gates without the Turaga's orders. Jala had given him strict direction, and all  warriors in Jala's troop knew of Jala's temper.     The warrior ventured deeper into the circular dwelling. It was adorned with carvings of the legends of Mata Nui and the stone to represent the great spirit, Mata  Nui.       "Turaga Vakama?" the warrior called.     "You are looking for me?" came a voice from the darkened staircase to the warrior's right, now illuminated by the Turaga's great Firestaff.       "Yes, Turaga Vakama,"  the warrior said, bowing respectfully.    "What news do you bring?" Vakama asked.       "I come from the gates. Jala sent me to tell you that Rahi are massing outside the gates, as if preparing for an assault or an ambush," the warrior said.       "An ambush. . ." Vakama said thoughtfully. "Take me to Jala, I  must discuss this with him."         "Yes, Turaga," the warrior said, bowing again.     Vakama brushed pass the warrior, striding swiftly through Ta-koro, across the bridge, which stretched across a flow of molten lava, to the gates.       The guards bowed and let the Turaga pass.Vakama then went up a staircase to Jala's map room. Jala stood next to the map table, studying the three dimensional map of Mata Nui intently. He looked up when Vakama entered.       "Turaga Vakama, this is an unexpected surprise," Jala said, bowing. He was about to say more when Vakama cut him off.       "There is no need for pleasantries, my friend.You know the reason I came. It is about the Rahi. I have reasons to believe that the Rahi are planning an ambush,"   Vakama said.       "An ambush? Is anyone expected here?" Jala asked.

Vakama nodded. “Just earlier this night, I was observing the skies, when I saw something fall from above. A capsule.” “You are referring to Mata Nui’s foretelling of the Toa?” Jala said, awed. Vakama nodded once more. “If I noticed this capsule, surely the evil ones did as well. Get the troops rallied. We will fight along side the Toa.” It did not take long for Jala to rally the troops. His troops were exceptionally obedient, having learned from Jala’s fiery temper, which could only be outmatched by Vakama’s. Soon, the warriors marched from the gates, prepared to engage in battle.

It was an easy fight for Tahu, and the gates were reclaimed straightaway. Shortly, the bridge was rising from the lava, and Vakama, Jala and his warriors were crossing. “You have our gratitude, Tahu,” Vakama said, bowing. Jala and his warriors copied the Turaga. “You’re welcome. Now, I must be going, I have a mission,” Tahu said, turning away and walking through the gates. “Tahu,” Vakama said “I will go with you. I am on a mission as well, to find the Noble Masks of Power.” Tahu nodded and continued walking.

VI   “Tell me, Vakama. Do you know where these masks are?” Tahu asked, getting increasingly irritable as they stood on the beach.    “No. When Makuta came, he scattered the masks throughout the island. They could be anywhere,” Vakama said, sharing Tahu's irritation.    “Well, where do we start when we can start wherever we want?” Tahu said.    “We can start right where we are,” Vakama said. "Even the longest journey begins with a first step."    “The mask isn’t where we are, obviously,” Tahu said. “Now where do we go?”    “Just hold on, Tahu. See here on this stone face, there are some carvings,” Vakama illuminated the shadowed carvings with his Firestaff.   Tahu leaned over to see the carvings.   “A temple, an altar, the Kanohi Akaku, and. . . me,” Tahu muttered in surprise. “Do you know of a temple such as this anywhere?”    “The temple, yes. It is where the masks used to be housed. These carvings are probably old” Vakama said. “It probably refers to the foretelling of you and the other Toa.”     “Where is this temple?” Tahu said.     “That way,” Vakama said, pointing further inland. “I assure you that you won’t find the masks there.”     “But there is as good as anywhere,” Tahu said, turning and walking in the direction Vakama had pointed.    They traveled through the volcanic and craggy terrain, until they found the temple, right in the bowl of one of the smaller volcanoes. They descended into the crater, entering the temple.    There, mounted on the Altar, was the Kanohi Akaku. Vakama, trailing behind Tahu, gasped when he saw Tahu dislodge the mask from the altar and put it on. It was not a gasp of awe, but of  fear. Too late, he shouted at Tahu.    “No! It is not the mask you are looking for! It is an infected mask! Don’t—” Vakama stopped shouting when Tahu turned to him. An angry light shone in Tahu’s eyes. An evil fury.     Vakama turned and ran as fast as his legs would carry him.

VII Vakama was hopelessly lost, but he had escaped Tahu. It was a set up. Makuta had made those carvings, putting an infected mask on the altar, knowing Tahu wouldn’t hesitate to put it on. Now Mata Nui was faced with an even greater danger: Tahu was under Makuta’s control. Vakama needed help to save Tahu from his enslavement. What he needed was strength as powerful as Tahu’s or more. He needed the other Toa.

He was in a difficult situation. He was lost in Mata Nui’s rugged and cold interior. He was unfamiliar with these parts, but he assumed that he was relatively close to Ko-Koro, where he might find help, and perhaps the Toa of Ice. Of course, if the rest of Toa had come down with Tahu, he might want to head east to the beach, but what if Tahu was there? Where was Tahu? “Greetings,” said the contemptuous voice of Tahu behind him. Vakama had no more thought of which direction he was going, he ran before Tahu’s sword could reach him.

He soon escaped the cold and was plunged into heat that, being from Ta-Koro, Vakama found pleasant. He now knew he was at the edge of the desert at the north point of the island, and if he continued he would reach Po-Koro. Vakama shook his head. No, he couldn’t go to Po-Koro. It would be dangerous as long as Tahu was following him. Once Tahu was in civilization, he would wreak undescribable havoc. Vakama would take Tahu on a chase that would wind around in confusing circles across the island. Vakama's plan was that when Tahu was distracted by one of the crisscrossing trails, Vakama would slip away to the beach to search for the rest of the Toa.

Vakama made haste on this plan, winding around the desert, over the mountains, through the freezing reaches of Mount Ihu and looping back while heading off on new trails. His plan seemed to be working. He had no more direct encounters with Tahu, but he was aware that Tahu followed his trail.   He was headed toward the beach, stopping for a brief rest at the place where ice met stone and dust. He was startled when he looked up and saw, silhouetted against the sun, five tall imposing figures. “The Toa,” Vakama gasped. The five Toa strode toward him, apparently not seeing him. There was the Toa of Water, Gali, beside her was the Toa of Stone, Pohatu, the Toa of Earth, Onua, Lewa, the Toa of Wind, standing apart from the rest, the Toa of Ice, Kopaka.

“Great Toa,” Vakama called out. “I am in need of your help!” “What else is new?” replied the Lewa. Kopaka snapped something at Lewa. “No, this is more specific. This involves the Toa of Fire—” Vakama started. “What trouble has Tahu gotten into this time?” Pohatu asked. “He found an Infected Mask, and unknowingly put it on. He is now set on the destruction of everyone and everything on the island,” Vakama explained.  “That’s Tahu,” sighed Onua, shaking his head. “Curse his impatience."

The two Toa fought furiously, shrouded in steam. The duel continued in a series of slashes and parries, Kopaka attempting to get his sword up underneath Tahu’s mask to dislodge it. Both were skilled fighters, but Tahu seized the opportunity and feinted, then slashing out, sending Kopaka to the ground. Seeing the battle turn for the worse, Pohatu sprung into action, kicking a large stone, sending it hurtling through the air, striking Tahu in the face and, thankfully, dislodging the mask. Tahu got up, confused. “What happened?” he asked. “Makuta laid a trap for you. You put on one of his Infected Masks. You were his slave, a puppet that did his every evil command,” Vakama said. Onua drew in his breath sharply. He was looking down where the large stone that Pohatu had kicked used to be. “Look,” he said. The Toa gathered around to see what he was looking at. Once hidden beneath the stone, but now uncovered was a hole. It was not very deep and in it they saw the Kanohi Hau, the great mask of shielding. “Tahu, I believe this is yours,” Gali said, stepping away from the hole to allow Tahu to get the mask. Tahu picked up the mask and put it to his face. Power coursed through him. He felt it protect him and give him strength. “You have succeeded, Tahu,” Vakama said. “You have found the Kanohi Hau.” Tahu nodded. “Yes, but total success is still far away. Come, we will search for the rest of masks.”

Caught Between Two Duties

I Ga-Koro was bustling with life that day, with Tohunga fishing, swimming, and shopping at the marketplace. Some gathered around the eldest Tohunga in the village, listening to him tell of the days before evil cast it’s shadow over Mata Nui. All the noise of the village went silent, when a tall shadow was cast down from atop a sand dune on the beach. First, fright shot through the villagers, then awe. This was not a being of evil that came, but one of good. Gali, Toa of Water. All the Tohunga rushed around the tall, hook-handed Toa, dropping down into a bow, revering the awesome and powerful figure. One Tohunga stepped forth from the crowd. She held a large, formidable-looking trident. Setting this weapon at Gali’s feet, she, too, bowed. “Gali, great Toa, long have we awaited this moment,” she said. “Rise, my friend. What is your name?” Gali said “Nokama. I am the Turaga of Ga-Koro,” she said, rising to her feet. “You can all rise, return to business” Gali said to the assembled crowd. The Tohunga hurried to do as the awesome Toa requested, her presence such a commanding one. “All but you Turaga Nokama.”

“Perhaps you’s be more comfortable in my quarters,” Nokama offered. Gali shook her head. “I much prefer the beach. Now, I believe I know much of the reason I am here. I have been sent to save this island from some evil, have I not?” Nokama nodded. “Yes. You must obtain the Kanohi Masks of Power. Then you will fight Makuta. Or so it is foretold.” “I see no signs of evil in this place,” Gali pointed out. “But I feel it’s presence. . .” Nokama nodded again. “Makuta and his minions remain hidden, but he holds the island in a tight grasp.” “The situation is urgent?” Gali asked. She instantly saw the answer. “Then I must go. Where will I find these Masks of Power?” “The location of each of the masks is unknown. I believe the Kanohi will just be found by trial and error,” Nokama explained. “Once a traveler stopped in Ga-Koro. He said that the Kanohi Kaukau can be found atop the highest mountain.” “The highest mountain would be that one?” Gali inquired, pointing northwest, where smoke rose from the peak of Mount Ihu. “Yes. Beware, Mount Ihu can be dangerous. If you have some attributes of us Tohunga of Ga-Koro, you’ll not desire the heat. Mount Ihu is one fire,” Nokama warned. “I will be careful,” Gali said. “I hate to leave so soon, but if it is as dire as you say, I must go.” “Wait, Gali. Let me send my closest colleague, Maku, with you. You will find her a great help and even greater company,” Nokama said. Gali nodded. Nokama left and soon returned with Maku, timid in the presence of Gali, by her side. Nokama introduced the Tohunga to the Toa. “Farewell Turaga. We will return,” Gali said. “May good fortune travel with you,” Nokama called after the two figures walking towards the distant peak of Mount Ihu.

III   “Get undercover!” Gali hissed at Maku. They were almost at the gates of Ta-Koro, but something was wrong. Creatures swarmed in and around the gates. “What are those things?” Gali asked. “Rahi, the minions of Makuta. More specifically, Nui-Jaga and Nui-Rama,” Maku explained. “What do we do?” “We cannot fight in this heat. It weakens us. We would lose for sure. We have to take a detour,” Gali said. Maku nodded in agreement. Stealthily, the two crept from their hiding place and stayed to the shadows. As soon as they felt that they were a safe distance from the Rahi and the gates, they stopped and assessed their surroundings. The heat had dwindled, since they had gone further north up the mountain. No lava pits dotted the rough, rock-strewn mountainside.  For this, Gali and Maku were glad, because a long climb awaited them, and they would need their strength. “Come Maku, hold onto my shoulders, I will bring you up the mountain,” Gali said. Maku was about to protest, but Gali cut her off. “You are not built for climbing. I, however, have these hook-hands, ideal for mountain climbing. I will not be handicapped with you on my back.” Gali allowed Maku to get a good hold onto her, and they started the arduous climb up the tallest mountain on Mata Nui. After the long climb, they reached their destination. Gali scanned the top of the mountain. Nothing. There was no Kanohi Mask of Power, or at least not that she could see. Maku searched around the stones, to no avail. “It seems the traveler Nokama spoke of was mistaken,” Gali said, the disappointment clear in her voice. She was about to say more when Maku cried. “Watch out! Nui-Rama!” A Nui-Rama swooped down at them. Gali grabbed onto Maku and jumped off the mountaintop.

IV Air whipped around the falling comrades.  It was an exhilarating and frightening experience. The ground, covered in a lush jungle, rushed up to greet them. They plunged into the trees. Gali whipped out a hand, hooking onto a branch, swinging nimbly onto it.   “Where are we?” Gali asked. “In the jungle near Le-Koro, I suspect,” Maku answered. “Yes, you’re right,” said a seemingly disembodied voice. “Who’s there?” Gali said, intimidating. “Don’t worry, Gali. I know him. He’s Kongu. He can help us,” Maku said.   “Maku? Is that you?” the source of the voice swung right out in front of them. “Yes, it is me, Kongu,” Maku answered. “What brings you to these parts?” Kongu asked. “This with me is Gali, Toa of Water. Turaga Nokama sent me to accompany Gali on her quest for the Kanohi,” Maku explained. Kongu turned to Gali and bowed. He was about to speak when a green blur whizzed past. The blur flipped up over the treetops and landed on branch. It stood still long enough for Gali to see it. It was a Toa! “Lewa,” Kongu said. A swarm of Nui-Rama swept down around Lewa. He fought, and he did it well, not to mention fast. His moves were so fast, that Gali could not see what he did to the Nui-Rama, except that they retreated swiftly. Lewa swung down on a vine, flipping over to a branch close to Gali. He looked at Gali.

“Who is this, Kongu?” Lewa asked, glancing down at Kongu, next to him on the branch.     “Gali, Toa of Water and her companion Maku, from Ga-Koro,” Kongu explained. “Another Toa? I hope you’re more pleasant than Tahu,” Lewa said. “Tahu? Who-” Gali said. “You haven’t met Tahu? You’re a fortunate one. He just about murdered me.”-Lewa shuddered-”He’s the Toa of Fire,” Lewa said. “Let me guess, Gali, you’re searching for the Kanohi?”

Gali nodded. “Do you know where to find them?” “I learned something while I was out searching for this,” Lewa tapped the Kanohi Miru on his face. “The Mask of Water Breathing can be found atop the highest mountain.” “So I have heard,” Gali said. “However, we have climbed Mount Ihu, and-” “That’s not the highest mountain,” Lewa interrupted. “Oh? Than what is?” Maku asked. “It’s Mount Nameless. No one ever gave it a real title,” Kongu said. “Where is it?” Gali asked. “It’s exactly seventy-seven point three miles south of from Le-Koro,” Kongu said. “What?” Maku exclaimed. “That’s in the ocean!” Kongu nodded. “We Tohunga from Ga-Koro know the oceans well, and we’d know if there was a mountain in the ocean!” Maku said. “What about under it?” Lewa asked. Maku was speechless. “Yes, the tallest mountain is underwater, although the top of the mountain is about twenty miles below sea-level,” Lewa said. “Then that is where we will go,” Gali said. “Thank you.” “Allow me to guide you,” Lewa offered. “This way!” Lewa vanished, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves for them to follow. They caught up with Lewa on the shoreline, perched in a treetop, away from the water. “Farewell, Lewa. You have my gratitude for your assistance,” Gali said. “We will meet again.”    Gali turned to Maku. “I don’t expect you to come with me, Maku,” she said. “Return to Ga-Koro. Where I am going, you’d have difficulties keeping up.” Maku was going to protest. Gali held up a hand. “Go, now. You will not change my mind. I do this out of concern for you,” Gali said. “Kongu and Lewa will guide you through the jungle, I’m sure.” Maku nodded. Gali turned and entered the water.

VI Gali fought, but she was greatly out numbered. Despite her legendary strength, the Tarakava had the advantage of numbers. It seemed that more Rahi joined the fight after a while. Then she realized their plan, they were not only preventing her from reaching the Kanohi Kaukau, but they were preventing her from reaching the surface for air! If only she could reach either one, she would be safe, but the Tarakava formed a wall around her. Although the Tarakava couldn’t talk, she knew what they’d be saying. “So much for the mighty Toa.” This thought infuriated the usually cool, levelheaded Toa.  All she needed to do was get the mask. Then she could remain underwater to fight fairly. All she had to do was get past the Tarakava. Easier said than done. Gali felt the anger-generated power surge through her, giving her the extra boost she needed. She plowed through the midst of the Tarakava, butting some aside while others scattered after they saw the fury glowing in her eyes. The way to the mask was clear, or it was until one Tarakava got in her way. It would not be butted aside or would it retreat. But could it outwit Gali? Gali’s eyes flashed. She made as though she was going to swim under the Tarakava. Of course, the Tarakava moved to intercept this move. Gali shot up and caught the Tarakava in the midriff. Putting her whole strength into it, she pushed it into the mountainside, sending stones and ocean debris tumbling down with it.

Gali's whole body was screaming for air. Had it been under less tense circumstances, she would have held the mask in her hands for a moment, savoring it, admiring it. But this move would have been unwise. She placed the mask on her face. She felt it embrace her, empowering her. She felt ready to take on the Tarakava. However, when she turned to face the Rahi, they were already scattering, seeing that she had a Great Mask of Power in her possession. Something made her turn back to the altar where the mask had been mounted. Directly beneath where the mask had been was an inscription.

“From highest to low, you will find strength.” The meaning was apparent to her. She stood on the highest mountain, from there, if she went to the lowest point, she would find the Great Mask of Strength. She swam from the top of the mountain, going down into the farthest depths of the ocean.

VII     It was surprisingly easy. Too easy, in fact, she told herself. Near the base of the mountain, she found a deep ditch. There sat the Kanohi Pakari. Beneath it, just like there had been with the Kanohi Kaukau, was an inscription. “To see what is hidden, find water that is water no more. To have protection, face your weaknesses. To move faster, find the place that the water falls furthest. To go higher, do just that.” This was, for the most part, apparent to her. The Mask of X-ray vision would be in ice. The Mask of Shielding would be found somewhere hot. For the Mask of Speed, she would have to find the longest waterfall. The last one stumped her. All she knew was that it referred to the Mask of Levitation. With the Kanohi Pakari in hand, she made for the surface.

VIII The Nui-Jaga had Gali surrounded. She was on the edge of the snow covered parts of the island, heading to the place where water was water no more. The Le-Koro jungle lay behind her. Noises revealed that there were at least fifty more Nui-Jaga in hiding, plus the thirty that were surrounding her. She was overwhelmingly outnumbered. She donned the Kanohi Pakari. She felt it enhance her strength. Even with the power the mask gave her, she knew she couldn’t win. One thing was for sure- she wouldn’t go down without a fight. She dodged a strike from the lethal tail of one Nui-Jaga. She spun back around as another Nui-Jaga shot out it’s tail. With her hook hand, she caught the tail and, surging with the strength of the Kanohi Pakari, swung the Nui-Jaga into it’s comrades, landing on it’s back. It struggled to get to it’s feet. In doing so, it’s flailing tail clipped more than one of its fellows.

The rest of the Nui-Jaga, as if angered by this, advanced on Gali. She knew this was the end. She would fight, but she fought against impossible odds.  She prepared herself for the oncoming onslaught. . . the onslaught that never came. A strange metallic whirring filled the air. Many of the Rahi were backing away. Gali looked about to see what was happening. A fog rose up around her. It obscured her vision for a minute. As the fog settled, she saw a shape emerging. It was a Toa. The Toa of Ice, she supposed. The fog left behind many Nui-Jaga, encased in a coating of ice. “Thanks,” Gali said, offering a slight bow. “You’re welcome,” the Toa’s voice was quiet, but all the same, an overwhelming sense of coldness and hostility, mingled with strength, came through. “What can I call you?” Gali said. “I am Kopaka,” said the Toa, who had already turned and started walking away. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Kopaka,” Gali said. “I am Gali.” “I’m not one for pleasantries, Gali,” Kopaka said. “Fine then,” Gali asked. Kopaka continued walking away, but was stopped when something landed right in front of him. “What are you doing here?” Kopaka said. “I caught wind of a fight,” the thing, which Gali saw to be Lewa, said.   “The fight is over, as you can see,” Kopaka said, walking around Lewa. “Lighten up,” Lewa said. He then turned to Gali. “I see you’ve returned, Gali. Find anything?” “Yes. I found the Kanohi Kaukau and the Kanohi Pakari,” Gali said. “I’m now searching-” A shouted curse interrupted Gali. Gali and Lewa investigated. What they found would have been funny, if it wasn’t for the fact that Kopaka was in a lethal mood. A Toa, which Gali assumed to be the To a of Ston e, had seemingly fallen from the skies- but was actually dropped by a Nui-Rama- right on top of Kopaka. Kopaka shoved him off. “I see you failed, Pohatu?” Kopaka hissed. “Not totally,” said Pohatu, getting to his feet. “I thought I’d just drop by.” “Ha, ha,” Kopaka said, sarcastically. “Very funny. What happened?” “I found the Kanohi Hau. I also found out what the Rahi are doing on Mount Ihu. That’s how I wound up here,” Pohatu said. “Well, what are they doing?” Lewa asked. Pohatu took a deep breath. “They intend on causing Mount Ihu to erupt,” he said.  Gali gasped. “That eruption could devastate the surrounding area,” Kopaka said, this time concern showed alongside the coldness. “That must be what they have in mind. It will melt a lot of ice. . .” Gali said. “And cause a lot of flooding,” Pohatu finished her thought. “What do we do?” Lewa said. “We’ll stop them,” Kopaka snarled. Pohatu shook his head. “No. We can’t. I’ve been there. All though we are making considerable progress on our quest for the Kanohi, we still can’t take on the numbers that are up there. We have to find a way to reduce the damage.” “How will we do that?” Lewa asked. “Let me think. . .” Pohatu said.   “Oh, great,” Lewa said. “What?” Gali asked him. “You’ve never heard of the infamous slowness of Pohatu’s thinking process?” Lewa said. Lewa was quite right. Many silent moments passed before Kopaka grew impatient. “We don’t have this much time, Pohatu,” Kopaka said. “All right. We have to dig a channel to let the meltwater and lava flow down into the ocean,” Pohatu said. “How much time do we have?” Gali asked. “A day or so,” Pohatu said.

“A day or so!? We can’t dig a channel that big in that time!” Lewa exclaimed. “We can’t. . .” Pohatu started, but trailed off. “What?” Gali asked Pohatu. “But Onua can,” Pohatu said. “We must find Onua.” “Yes,” Kopaka nodded. Gali gasped. “What?” Pohatu, Lewa and Kopaka said at the same time. “I must find the Kanohi Akaku before the eruption!” Gali said. “It is said to be hidden in a place where water is water no more! It’s encased in ice! If that ice melts then the mask will be lost!”

X   She topped the same sand dune she had when she first laid eyes on Ga-Koro. Then, it had been a village bustling with Tohunga. Now, it was devoid of life and ruined, looking miserable in the rainy night as it was lit up by a flash of lightning. “I’m too late,” Gali said to herself silently. No one, not even Rahi, were around. Much of Ga-Koro had floated away. Some had gone to the bottom. Just then, a scream echoed across the water. Gali looked in the direction of the scream. There, on one of the floating sections of Ga-Koro was about eight Tohunga. A score of Tarakava circled around, sometimes pushing the waterlily, giving the passengers a jolt and the threat of falling into the Tarakava infested water. The sight infuriated Gali. Without thinking, she donned the Kanohi Kaukau and entered the water. She dove under and swam strong and hard toward the antagonists. Apparently unaware of her coming, the Tarakava continued assailing the helpless Tohunga. Gali hit them like a sledgehammer, driving them away. She grabbed hold of the giant waterlily and dragged it back toward shore. She beached it and turned to the Tohunga. “You’re safe now. Tell me, where is Turaga Nokama?” Gali asked. “Turaga Nokama was trapped in her hut, w-when it sank. . .” one said, his voice trembling. “Stay here!” Gali said, already reentering the water. She dove under. She scanned the sunken debris for the Turaga’s hut. There! Tarakava surrounded it. They slammed it continuously, trying to break through. Gali swam into the midst of the Rahi, fighting them with all the might she could muster, kicking at them and slashing them with her hook hands. Once she had overpowered the Tarakava, she went to the window of the hut.  She looked inside. She saw that the water was steadily rising. Nokama was getting frantic. Gali, seeing the water in the hut surging over the Turaga’s head, rose to the surface and replaced the Kanohi Kaukau with the Kanohi Pakari. She dove under again. Armed with the strength the mask granted her, she hefted the hut up, pushing it to the surface and toward the shore. Gali burst through the jammed entryway and retrieved the Turaga from inside. “Are you all right, Nokama?” Gali asked. “Yes. . . thanks to you,” Nokama replied. Gali’s eyes flashed. “Watch out, Nokama!”

A Nui-Rama swooped down and snatched the Turaga and flew over the cliffs. Gali, once more, entered the water, rushing to the cliffs.      Using her hook hands, she climbed the wet cliff side with ease. Lightning coursed through the sky, silhouetting her against it.  It also revealed the location of the Nui-Rama and Nokama. Nokama had obviously got free of her captor, but was cornered in an alcove in the rocks. The Nui-Rama turned as Gali approached. Gali’s eyes glowed angrily like beacons in the night. Nokama seized her chance. With the Nui-Rama’s back turned, it left most of it’s body exposed to Nokama. Hefting her trident up, Nokama thrust it at the Rahi.

Startled, the Rahi took to flight. Nokama was about to speak to Gali when an explosion echoed across the island. Looking northwest, Gali and Nokama saw fire and molten lava hurling up, lighting up the night with it’s fiery glow.

“Right here.” Behind the Tohunga, Tahu stood. His voice was filled with anger and hatred and his glowing eyes reflected these emotions. The Tohunga, startled and frightened, moved over behind the Toa. “Let me deal with him,” Kopaka said, stepping forward, raising his sword. The two Toa circled around. As fast as lightning, Tahu’s thrust at Kopaka, but just as fast, Kopaka blocked. As the two forces of Fire and Ice clashed, steam hissed into the air. The duel continued. Gali saw Kopaka’s plan- to get his sword up underneath Tahu’s infected mask and dislodge it. However, whenever Kopaka tried this move, Tahu parried it. Neither Kopaka nor Tahu had a lead in the battle. Both strived to fell the other. Tahu succeeded by pulling off a feint and slashing out at Kopaka, sending the Toa of Ice to the ground. The sight spurred Pohatu into action. A large stone rested near his foot. With a solid kick, the stone hurtled through the air, hitting Tahu before he knew what happened. That stone had enough force behind it to dislodge the mask from Tahu’s face. “What happened?” Tahu said, confused. “Makuta laid a trap for you. You put on one of his Infected Masks, therefore, you were his slave, a puppet that did his every evil command,” The Tohunga explained. “Look,” Onua said with a sharp intake of breath. He was looking at the place where the stone which Pohatu had kicked used to be. Now, a hole, hidden before was exposed. There at the bottom was the Kanohi Hau, the mask of shielding. “Tahu, I believe this is yours,” Gali said, stepping away from the hole. Tahu lifted the mask and put it to his face.