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There had been a big battle. The Toa, after
collecting most of their masks of power, had reported that an infected mask they
had found atop a hill in the Po-Wahi desert (Kikia winced), had taken over Tahu,
who had put it on. Under the control of Makuta, he had gathered a ferocious army
of Rahi in Ta-Koro. The Toa had built an army from each of the villages, and
attacked the fortress. The battle had been won upon the last charge. The utter
mass of Tohunga ploughing through them had terrified the Rahi and caused them to
break. Makuta’s entire army had fled the field and returned to Ta-Wahi, having
been severely mauled and leaving many uninfected (and a few dead) creatures in
their wake. In contrast, very few Tohunga appeared to have fallen. Even now, the
ones who had were being taken away on stretchers; some being healed by the mages
form Ga-Koro. The Turaga had expected Tahu to leading the army. But this was not
so. He was still in Ta-Koro. He needed to be found.
The Chosen sat in awe. They had missed a battle that would decide the fate of
Mata Nui and many of their friends? But then they were told about the reactions
the Toa would have when they saw them.
Solemnly, they accepted this.
They were then led away by each of their Turaga.
Pirihi had been left in a hut situated on the furthest side of Ga-Koro,
overlooking the bay. As he stared out, Nokama and Matoro walked in.
“Hello again Nokama,” said Pirihi, without looking.
“Pirihi!” said Matoro, “You’re alive! We all thought you were dead…”
“Not yet Matoro,” he said, turning to look at him.
“Your very… different… Pirihi.”
“Hmm.”
“Pirihi, could you come with me please? I want you to come and meet someone.”
“Of course, please lead the way.”
Pirihi was led towards a hut on the other side of the village, where he saw Nuju
come out of a hut, followed by a tall white figure holding its mask in its hand.
As he came closer, he could see the figure more clearly. It was carrying a
shield, had a black ball on its chest, and held a long white sword… like his own
Ice Blade.
He looked up, and saw the tall figure’s eyes were a glowing light blue.
Suddenly, the figure said his name in surprise:
“Pirihi!”
Pirihi shook his head in shock, and looked back at that figure. That voice… he
knew it…
“Kopaka!”
Pirihi felt a sudden rushing feeling, as if a dam had burst in his head. It was
incredible - but was becoming too much…
As his sight blurred, he saw Nuju look back at him. The Turaga ran to catch the
tall figure, but before he was close it fell to the ground.
He didn’t even try to fight the darkness that suddenly took him.
Pirihi looked around, and found himself high above a battle – flashing figures,
duelling. He saw himself – parrying with a dark figure, he saw Moana, ducking,
and then he saw his opportunity, he lunged, and thrust his sword into the
figures chest. But then it had him, and then there was no ground beneath him. He
sailed down…
Moana looked over, and saw Pirihi disappear from the edge. And screamed.
She screamed with all of her might, all of her will, the sound piecing and pure.
The dark ones held their hands to their ears, and stumbled around. Moana stopped
screaming, and through her tears lunged at the nearest figure. She saw her sword
come down against the dark weapon, the same sword she had on her back today, and
it was flung from her. She landed on the figure’s head. It grabbed her, and
threw her head first onto the ground. She felt something snap, and all the
feeling disappeared from her body. Then there was an armoured foot, coming down
to see her…
Lekopo gasped as the blade was plunged into his chest…
Kikia winced at he felt the weapon take out his legs…
Kohuke looked up in surprise to see his adversary’s weapon coming at his face
from below…
With an explosive breath, Pirihi shot up from wherever he was lying. He was
completely unconcerned with what he saw through his eyes, but more so with the
fact that his mind was completely clear. He could remember everything about the
last time he was on the island. His friends. The Toa. His enemies. The enemy.
And Kaiwera…
And so it was that the Chosen met the Toa, except for Kaiwera.
“Turaga, I know why he gave in. I held that mask – it is so powerful! It would
give anyone who wears it ultimate power! It is the ultimate infected mask!
No-one could resist it’s power!”
“No. Only those who seek power can’t resist it,” said Vakama
“Yes… Tahu hasn’t remembered his old self yet has he… nor does he know why
he seeks the power he does… I wish I could tell him that I am already here, that
he doesn’t need the mask anymore…
“Yes. For it is that Tahu’s great rage in this age, and his demand for respect
is a result of not being able to save you in the Final Battle atop Mt. Ihu. He
felt that had he not been so weakened by the snow, had he made his reactions a
little quicker, he could have saved you. But he doesn’t realise how he did
save you. And everyone else. You know that it is impossible to resist the
effects of snow.”
“Yes, as it is with Pirihi and fire. We need to get him back Turaga… I need to
tell him I am alive!”
“Yes Kaiwera, and you shall. Tomorrow,” said Vakama.
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