| “Turaga
Vakama?”
Kaiwera walked in through the door of Vakama’s
hut, covered in mud and filth.
“Kaiwera! You have returned safely… do you have
the treasure?”
Vakama got up from his seat facing the bonfire.
Jala lay curled up asleep in another chair in the corner. Kaiwera
took off his satchel and pulled out the brilliant red Hau. Vakama’s
eye’s glowed with more intensity.
“This is it!” he cried, “the Kanohi Hau of Tahu!”
Vakama did a little jug whilst Kaiwera took a
step backwards. Vakama ceased his little jig.
“Sorry about that, it’s all this excitement getting
to me.”
“What is the mask Vakama? What does it mean?”
“You deserve some answers Kaiwera, and you shall
have some. This mask is the symbol or seal of Tahu. You know of
Tahu, the Toa of Fire?”
Kaiwera nodded, everyone knew of Tahu in Ta-Koro.
“A great time ago there was a battle, between
the six good Toa, and the four Dark Toa. The good Toa won, but
only just. Anyway, when Mata Nui is in danger, the Masks of the
six Toa must be collected. Only the Chosen can wear the masks.
Once you have all six masks safe, the Toa can arrive. My knowledge
of this legend is sketchy… Nokama has been able to accurately
translate the ancient scripts.”
“I see. So this mask is Tahu’s?”
“In a way, yes. It is a copy of his original mask.
Kaiwera, one more test remains… you must put on the mask and then
we shall know.”
“Now?”
“Now.”
Kaiwera looked at the inside of the mask. Red,
flickering in the light of Vakama’s bonfire. Through the eyeholes
he could see the hut beyond. Then he noticed in very very faint
writing… a message written on the inside of the mask. He brought
it towards his face to get a better view…
There was a flash, and Kaiwera looked around in
astonishment.
“Where did it go?”
“Kaiwera, you-“
“-are wearing it… I can feel the protection… It’s
amazing!”
“Then this day is a mixed blessing. The Chosen
of Fire has been found, yet this means that you must take on a
great task. The other Chosen must be found. There are five more,
once in each corner of Mata Nui, and each will need to find their
Kanohi. I cannot force this burden apon you Kaiwera, but I must
ask. Will you find them and face your destiny?”
“Yes Turaga, I shall,” said Kaiwera, not feeling
there to be any other options.
“Thank you. Now go to Ga-Koro. The tunnel from
Onu-Koro is not yet finished, so I suggest you look for another
way around Tear’s Point. That mask you now own, you will learn
how to use is and the power it contains in time and with experience.
Good luck Chosen of Fire, may your path lead you to victory.”
“Thank you Priest, it is a great honour. Permission
to have a shower first?”
“Permission granted young Corporal. Now, I must
leave to await the arrival of Tahu. I will be back, so don’t worry
about me.”
With that, Vakama picked up his Fire Staff and
walked out of the hut.
“I would never have believed it, and I know some
never shall. But I do now.”
Jala got up from his chair, Kaiwera realised he
must have been listening to his conversation with Vakama.
“May the Spirit of Flame stand by and protect
you, friend, Chosen of Fire.”
Jala exited the hut after Vakama.
Kaiwera was left there, dripping, collecting his
thoughts. The bonfire slowly ebbed away, and Kaiwera only left
when the very last embers of the fire had gone out. |
