Chapter 1

Onua

In a vast, blue ocean, a silver canister bobbed in the waves. Slowly, the current drew it towards a huge land mass - the island of Mata Nui.

The canister began to pick up speed. Seawater foamed in its wake. It hit a sandbar, and flew into the sky. It sailed in an arc for a second, then crashed onto a sandy beach.

The canister laid still for a moment. Then, a hatch at the top creaked open, and its contents were ejected onto the sand.

The black and gray figure immediately squinted its eyes. It was nice and dark in that canister, and this sudden light… What had happened? Why was it in there? No, not it. He. His name was Onua. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew.

Onua slowly and shakily got to his knees. He'd been cramped in that tube for so long, all of his muscles ached. He stood up, and took a step forward. He fell back on his hands and knees.

He spotted something black lying face-down on the dirt in front of him. He picked it up with his wide hands. It was curved, with two eye holes near the top. Onua lifted it to his face. As it neared his face, it began to glow a weak purple. He paused for a moment to observe the odd phenomenon. He shrugged, and shoved it onto his face.

Strength surged through him. It was unlike anything he had ever felt - not that that was a high bar to clear. His aches and cramps evaporated, leaving him with only power. He gathered his power and threw his arms into the air. The sand around him erupted. Onua took a startled step back. He looked around, but saw no one. Did he do that?

He gathered his power into his hands again. He thrust one forward. Sand sprayed in that direction. He slammed the other downward, and the sand flew away, leaving a small crater.

"So…" Onua muttered to himself. His voice was deep and smooth. "I am meant to command the earth. But why?"

Onua looked towards the horizon. The sand gave way to grass, which led into a dense jungle. Rising from the jungle was a small mountain. Onua could make out the opening to a cave carved into the mountainside.

Perhaps I will find my answers in there.

Onua began his trek to the mountain.

Tahu

The red-and-orange figure stood at the base of a volcano. The journey here was easy, but now what would he do? Climb to the top? That's not gonna happen. He'd sooner be able to tunnel through it.

When he awoke on the beach, he was only sure of two things: His name was Tahu, and he was a being of great power. He was able to spark and shape flames, and could envelop himself in a protective bubble. Why he had those powers, he didn't know.

Tahu looked at the volcano again. There's no way he could climb it. So what am I even doing here?! Screaming in frustration, he ripped his sword off his back and shot a jet of flame at a nearby rock.

"Hey!" a voice shouted. Tahu turned to face where the sound came from. He saw a short red and yellow being running toward him, carrying what looked like a sword. Tahu gripped his tighter. He'd been itching for some action.

"Who the hell are you?" Tahu snarled.

"My name is Jaller, captain of the Ta-Koro guard," the being stated, slowing down but still holding his weapon in front of him. "State your name and business here, or leave."

Tahu lowered his blade, but didn't loosen his grip. "My name is Tahu-"

At this, Jaller dropped his weapon and stared open-mouthed at Tahu. "Tahu - Toa Tahu! It's- it's you! Oh, thank Mata Nui!" he stammered.

Tahu sheathed his sword. "Do I know you?" he asked him.

"You have to follow me back to the village! The Turaga is going to be really excited to see you!" Jaller said, turning around. He started to run in the direction he came from. Tahu stood still, taking in the things he just learned.

"Come on, Toa Tahu! You have to see the village!" Jaller insisted.

I suppose this "Turaga" may have some answers for me. Tahu figured. He ran after Jaller.

The village was within a huge fortress, complete with towers and fortified walls. It was built on an island in a lake of lava, the only entrances being five stone bridges.

"There's a lot of security here," Tahu observed.

"Yeah, you wouldn't think anything would live out here, right? Too hot, not enough water." Jaller replied.

"How does that answer my question?" Tahu asked.

"I was getting there. Anyway, there are things that live here, and they might be the most dangerous Rahi on the island." Jaller continued.

"What are 'Rahi'?" Tahu asked.

"Oh, yeah. Rahi are the beasts that live among us. Here in Ta-Koro, we have issues with Nui-Ramas, Doom Vipers, and Fire Mahi swarms." Jaller explained. "The sinking bridges - don't worry, they only sink when we make them - keep out the Fire Mahis, the walls keep out the Doom Vipers, and our archers keep the Nui-Ramas at bay."

"I see." Tahu said simply. Maybe his purpose was to help protect this village against these Rahi.

They walked past the gates into the village. Jaller had a short conversation with another guard, then hurried off deeper into the village. "Stay here," he told Tahu before he left. "I'll fetch the Turaga."

Tahu observed the village. There were dozens of small, rectangular, brick buildings scattered throughout, which he assumed were the villagers' houses. The villagers themselves walked about, not yet having noticed Tahu. Most were shades of red, orange, or yellow, but there were some that where blue, green, or brown. Those ones looked out of their element, and were constantly fanning themselves. Tahu assumed they were from other villages, if there were any.

An orange and red figure, holding a staff adorned with flames, stepped out of one of the larger huts, accompanied by Jaller. That must be Turaga, Tahu figured.

Gali

Gali swam alongside Hahli's canoe. She had met Hahli while exploring the reef off the island shore. Hahli insisted Gali follow her to visit Turaga Nokama in Ga-Koro.

Ga-Koro consisted of a web of bridges and floating wooden huts. Towards the center of the village was a much larger dome, the Great Temple. There was a canoe or rowboat docked at every hut, but many Matoran (what the villagers were called, according to Hahli) were swimming in the warm waters.

Hahli docked her canoe near the temple. "Follow me into the temple. Nokama should be in there."

Gali dove under the water, turned around, and shot up. She gracefully breached the surface, did a flip, and landed on the dock.

"Not bad," Hahli joked. She walked off towards the temple, gesturing for Gali to follow.

Nokama was indeed in the temple, sitting on a bench and reading a stone tablet.

Hahli cleared her throat. "Um, Turaga Nokama?"

The Turaga looked up from her reading. "Ah, Hahli. Good to see you."

Hahli smiled. "Good to see you too. This is Toa Gali!" she excitedly introduced her tall companion. Nokama nodded.

"Yes, I've been expecting you. Come, sit." Nokama moved aside for Gali to sit next to her. "We've much to talk about."

Gali sat down on the bench. "Nice to meet you, Turaga." she said.

"Likewise, Toa." Nokama responded.

"Toa… Hahli called me that as well. What does it mean?" Gali asked.

"Toa is a title for strong beings with control over an element. You are a Toa of Water, as was I." Nokama explained. "You're no doubt confused about everything; that's to be expected. Allow me to explain.

"In the time before time, the Great Spirit descended from the heavens; carrying we, the ones called the Matoran, to this paradise. We were separate, and without purpose, so the Great Spirit illuminated us with the Three Virtues: Unity, Duty, and Destiny. We embraced these gifts, and named our island home Mata Nui after the Great Spirit himself.

"But our happiness was not to last. Mata Nui's brother, Makuta, was jealous of these honors and betrayed him, casting a spell over Mata Nui, who fell into a deep slumber. Makuta was free to unleash his shadows. And unleash them, he did.

"Makuta infected the island's Rahi, turning them into violent beasts with an appetite for destruction. Ga-Koro alone was rebuilt three times since the attacks began. For years, we endured them without end.

"But there was hope. Legend foretold of six Toa, who would save us from Makuta and secure peace for our island. Today is the day that legend came true."

Gali sat in silence while Nokama finished her tale. "There are others like me?" she asked.

"Five others, yes. Tahu, Onua, Pohatu, Kopaka, and Lewa." Nokama answered. "If you wish to meet them, go to Kini Nui at the center of the island. If they've spoken with their Turaga, they will be sent there as well."

Gali nodded. "I shall, Turaga. It's been a pleasure meeting you." She began to stand up.

"Wait," Nokama said. "There is one last thing for you to know."

Pohatu

"Makuta is a powerful enemy," Turaga Onewa told him. "Even as a team, you may not be able to beat him."

"I hope you're going somewhere with this," Pohatu replied, "cause you're not making me want to fight him."

Onewa chuckled. "Don't worry, I am. You know the mask you wear on your face?"

Pohatu raised a hand to it, feeling its curves and lines. "Yeah. When I put it on, I felt like I had the power to move mountains."

"And perhaps, with enough practice, you could." Onewa said. "Your mask gives you your strength. Without it, your power would be halved. But it gives you more than just your physical strength," he explained. "You wear the Kanohi Kakama, the Great Mask of Speed. There are many more masks spread throughout the island, hidden away or guarded by Rahi. If you collect them all, you stand a chance at beating Makuta."

Pohatu stood up. "Alright, that's good to know. I'll let the other Toa know that when I meet them." He turned towards the village's exit. "See you around, Turaga."

"Good luck, Toa. You'll need it." Onewa replied.

As Pohatu walked out of the village, he looked back and saw the Matoran waving at him. He grinned and waved back.

Now, let's try out this mask. Pohatu concentrated his thoughts on running. He took a step, and immediately set off at breakneck speeds. He looped around the Po-Wahi, throwing up huge sprays of sand in his wake. "WOOOOOOO!" he screamed as he ran. He covered the entire desert in just a minute.

Then, he slowed to a stop. Everything in the desert was the same; there really wasn't anywhere to run to. Pohatu looked around for a good destination. There was a volcano… definitely a bad idea. He could run to the peak of that icy mountain. Yeah, he should go there. If it's too cold, he could always just run back down. He concentrated on the peak, then activated his mask power.

The island rushed by him in a blur. The tans and browns of the desert faded into white as Pohatu entered Ko-Koro. He began to climb up the mountain. He saw a white-clad figure in front of him. Before he could slow down, or even shout a warning, the two collided.

Kopaka

Kopaka slowly made his way to the peak of Mount Ihu. After a brief yet informative discussion with Turaga Nuju and his translator Matoro, he had decided to search for the masks. He didn't need to meet the other Toa; they'd just slow him down.

The Turaga told him that he could find one mask at a "Place of far-seeing". Kopaka wasn't one for riddles, but this one was simple enough to figure out. At the peak of the tallest mountain on Mata Nui, he would be able to see very far.

Kopaka heard a faint rumbling, and turned around just in time to see a brown blur crash into him. The two hit the snow with a thud. Kopaka felt all his power drain out of him, then noticed his mask had been knocked off.

The attacker decelerated, and slid back down the mountain to Kopaka. "Sorry about that," he said. He grabbed Kopaka's mask and handed it back to him. Kopaka snatched it away and put it back on his face.

"Just who do you think you are?" Kopaka snapped.

"I'm Pohatu, Toa of Stone. You are…?" Pohatu stretched out a hand to help the white Toa up.

"I didn't think a Toa would be so clumsy." Kopaka replied coldly. He stood up, ignoring Pohatu's hand. "I'm going to be going now. Don't follow me."

Kopaka walked past Pohatu and continued his trek to Mount Ihu's peak. Pohatu inevitably followed.

"So," he asked. "What's your name?"

"Kopaka. What did I say about following me?" Kopaka picked up a chunk of snow and tossed it at Pohatu. "Next one will be made of ice." he warned.

"Alright, brother Kopaka. We should be going to that Kini Nui place to meet up with the others." Pohatu suggested.

Kopaka sighed. "I work alone."

"By choice, or because nobody can stand you?" Pohatu replied. Kopaka almost smiled. He's got a sharp wit, that's for sure. He continued up the slope, Pohatu a short ways behind.

As he neared the top, the winds began to pick up. Snowflakes and hail buffeted the Toa's masks. The previously quick pace Kopaka maintained slowed to a crawl.

"I THINK WE SHOULD HEAD BACK!" Pohatu yelled.

Kopaka turned his head to yell back. "NO! SOMETHING HAS TO BE UP HERE!"

Pohatu was quiet for a moment. Then, he came up with an idea. "HOLD ON, KOPAKA! I HAVE AN IDEA!"

Kopaka didn't quite catch what Pohatu said. He was about to ask, when he felt himself being jerked upwards against the wind. A moment later, he stood at the top of the mountain.

The wind and snow were both calm. The peak was a small, mostly flat area covered in snow. It was just below the clouds, so the view was crystal clear. On a pedestal in the center, a gray Kakama sat snow-covered.

"What… what happened?" Kopaka asked. He was still shaken by the sudden change.

"I figured it'd be quicker," Pohatu replied. He tapped his mask. "Mask of speed. Just like that one," he pointed to the mask on the pedestal.

"You could've warned me."

"Would you have heard it?"

I guess he's got a point there. Kopaka stalked over to the mask. "You already have a Mask of Speed. So this is mine." He dusted of the mask, and put it on over his Akaku. He felt energy course through him. He felt like he could run laps around the island in seconds.

But could he use multiple masks at the same time? He activated his Akaku, and saw mineral deposits deep below ground, Matoran sleeping in their huts, Rahi hunting other Rahi in the jungle. So, the Mask of X-Ray Vision is still mine to use.

Kopaka looked to the center of the island, where Nuju had said the other Toa would be. Sure enough, there were two Toa already there, and two on their way. Kopaka turned back to Pohatu when something caught his eye. There was another being, the same size as himself. It was walking through a tunnel towards the shape of what looked like another mask.

Odd, Kopaka thought. Should I meet the other Toa, or find out more about this stranger?

"What's our plan now?" Pohatu asked, snapping Kopaka out of his thoughts.

"Greet our brothers," Kopaka replied simply. He looked again at Kini Nui, and triggered his new Mask of Speed. Kopaka raced off in a blur. Pohatu followed, only a few footsteps behind.

They arrived at the meeting place in only a second. Before them stood their Toa brothers.

Lewa

Just ten minutes ago, Lewa had been swinging through Le-Koro without a care in the world. But then he'd met a villager called Kongu, had a whole conversation with this Turaga guy, and it's all been downhill from there. Now, he was caught up in an argument about how they should find the masks.

"It's obvious," Kopaka repeated. "We all go our separate ways. It's the simplest solution."

Pohatu looked a little hurt. "Hey, if it wasn't for me, would you have gotten that mask yet? Or would you be buried under six feet of snow?"

"Exactly," Gali said. "From what Turaga Nokama told me, these masks could be hidden in places too difficult for just one of us to get to. Kopaka, you have to see that."

The argument droned on. Lewa occupied himself with backflips and acrobatics. He flipped onto a mossy statue, then back onto the ground.

"I agree with Gali and Pohatu," Onua finally broke his silence. "Lewa, what do you think?"

Lewa somersaulted next to Gali. "I really don't care. Whatever gets us moving quicker." He did a one-handed handstand, spun around twice, and launched back into the air, landing back on the statue.

"Could you stand still for five seconds?" Tahu demanded. "I'm trying to think."

"Must be pretty hard," Kopaka replied.

"Bold words coming from the Toa of Snowflakes," Tahu sneered back.

Eventually, the battle lines were drawn. Pohatu, Gali, Tahu, and Onua wanted to split into teams of two to find the masks. Kopaka wanted to go every Toa for themselves.

Lewa jumped next to Onua and Pohatu. "There, five to one. You're outnumbered, now for Mata Nui's sake, let's get going!"

"That's not how-" Kopaka began.

"Shut up, no one cares." Tahu cut him off. "Pohatu, you go with Kopaka. I'll go with Onua. Lewa, you and Gali can go together. Are we good?"
Still, Kopaka protested. "Who made you the leader?" "This is going to slow us down." "For the last time, I work alone!"

Eventually, the others wore him down. It was well into the night by the time the teams headed out to find the Great Kanohi masks. Little did any of them know (except Kopaka) that someone else was looking for them at the same time….