"Toa! We have an attack coming from the northeast, ETA three minutes and counting!"

If nobody had interrupted Kopaka from a nap again, it would be too soon. Shuffling to his feet, he walked to the battlements outside. He grumbled to himself the whole way.

"Our scout has spotted three wolves approaching the city," Onua explained as Kopaka entered. "Tahu has suggested a defense strategy—ah, greetings, Kopaka. Regarding this, I encourage you to listen and build upon it."

"Well said," Tahu replied with a quick nod. "Here's what we'll do: we'll run at the wolves while they're still far away. If our charging doesn't scare them off, we kill them."

Kopaka rolled his eyes. Always count on Tahu to run into the heat of battle.

Tahu noticed. "Do you think you have a better idea? If you do, you're probably wrong."

Onua folded his arms. "Tahu, please be civil."

"In principle, I agree with Tahu," Kopaka forced himself to say. "Allow me to expand on that by having us split up—two Toa for each wolf. I recommend these groups to be Tahu and Pohatu, Lewa and Onua, and Gali and me."

"Why you and Gali?" The question came from Lewa.

Kopaka turned to him with an expression saying he'd explained this for the eighth time. "Because, Lewa, water and ice are most compatible together."

"Take that out of context," Lewa muttered. Gali elbowed him sharply.

"Any objections?" Kopaka said unnecessarily loudly. "If so, say it quickly. Every second not battling evil is a wasted second."

The Toa all muttered sounds of approval— Onua quietly complimented Kopaka's last sentence.

Tahu straightened himself, tearing his lavaboard gloriously into his signature Fire Blades. "Then what are we standing around here for? Attack!"

Onua smashed his Earthquake Hammer against the first wolf. It fell to the ground with a howl of pain, and Lewa quickly ended its misery.

Meanwhile, Tahu set a ring of fire around the second, while Pohatu flung his Stormerang through the fire. It didn't miss its mark. Tahu charged into the flames with a defiant roar, and within seconds the creature's own roars had ceased.

Kopaka and Gali had begun to lure the final wolf away from the city bridge. This wolf had led the others, and as such had gone farthest.

But it would soon regret ever attempting to attack the place the Toa held dear. Gali took a brief glance at Kopaka, who gave her a curt nod. Both raised their weapons.

"Looks like you two need a hand!"

Lewa swooped in, catching both wolf and Toa off-guard. He dealt a swift, well-aimed kick to the wolf, which in turn bit into his leg, throwing him to the ground and forcing a pained cry from him.

Kopaka countered with a swift thrust of his spear. It gouged straight through the heart of the beast, which didn't make a sound as it crumpled to the ground.

As Kopaka tried to dislodge his spear, Gali pulled Lewa from the wolf's jaws. "Are you okay?" she said, her voice soft as she held him in her arms.

Lewa's faintly glowing eyes looked into hers. He gave her a weak, lopsided grin. "I knew you cared."

Gali dropped him.

"He shouldn't try any wild stunts for a few days," Kiril said, wrapping the last of the bandage around Lewa's leg. "He heals fast, so it shouldn't take more than two days—let me know if it takes longer. Alright, Lewa, you're good to go."

"We do appreciate your help," Onua said, patting Kiril's head with a truly enormous hand.

Kiril smiled. "It's an honor." He turned to Lewa. "Remember not to push yourself. You don't want that wound to open."

"Yeah, yeah," Lewa replied, stretching his arms over his head casually.

"Lewa, I mean it." Kiril grabbed Lewa's shoulder with surprising force. "Not only will it mean more work for me, but it also won't exactly be peachy on your side. So don't push it."

Lewa stayed silent for many moments. Finally, he said, "Well, I won't try to."

"Try not to."

The sounds of ceremonial horns resounded throughout the region, signifying a festival would begin soon.

The city itself buzzed with activity. Villagers chatted about the Toas' victory against the wolves, which the protectors had skinned and would give away to the local children and elders, and to chosen adults if they ended up with extra.

Near the forge, the Toa conversed about mostly trivial matters. To me, Lewa thought, trivial's just a fancy word for boring.

He stood up, yawning widely. Then he stopped—his mouth abruptly snapped shut. A feeling of uneasiness crept across his skin, and his breathing became short and sharp. His injured leg quivered, almost caving in on him.

"Lewa?" Onua asked, killing a conversation that had to do with how much he could break in a day. "Are you alright?" he continued. "You look rather ill."

Lewa tried to slow his breathing. It didn't work. "Yeah, I'm good. Just needing some fresh air. It's stuffy in here."

Onua nodded. "Understandable. Why don't you go out and fly for a bit? There's still a sliver of sunlight before night falls. Just be sure not to miss the feast—it starts in a little less than an hour."

"Gotcha. Thanks." Lewa started to leave, stumbling a little.

"Try not to use your bad leg, okay?" Gali said, seeing Lewa struggle.

Lewa's breathing grew faster against his will. "Yeah, 'f course. I'll be careful…"

The outdoor air blew against Lewa's skin, fresh and calm. Lewa relaxed, taking in a deep breath, then letting it out slowly. Marvelous weather, he thought to himself. He turned to the setting sun, where he marveled at its beauty. It glowed in a faint honeylike color, and the skies around it were a beautiful gradient of yellow and periwinkle, ending in a smooth shade of indigo. Not a cloud showed its face. He sat down and watched the sun set until it disappeared.

After the sun had sunk, Lewa turned away. The moment he did so, he felt his heart pound against his ribs, and he didn't even know why. It felt as if he were anticipating someone's return… or arrival.

Lewa remembered he had wanted to fly. Right, that was what had excited him so much. Spreading his arms out wide, he took a running jump and flipped up into the sky, spinning and swirling in midair

The air seemed fresher and crisper than usual. Lewa relaxed, allowing the light breeze to take him wherever it blew. He noticed a moon. It glowed proudly, bright and beautiful. And such a dazzling white… it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

For some reason Lewa's heart began to pound harder than ever—this time he felt sure it wasn't something he'd forgotten. His face felt oddly cramped against his mask. His injured leg began to twitch.

Lewa would remember the panic as he lost control of his flight. But he couldn't for the life of him recall what happened next.

"Well, it's too far away to hurt anyone. No sign of Lewa, though."

"Can't you scan again, Kopaka?"

"Gali, what do you think I've been doing for the last minute?" Kopaka turned around in a circle. He shook his head. "Nothing but birds and that other…" After searching for a word, he gave up. "That other thing."

Tahu arched an eyebrow. "Maybe that 'thing' is Lewa."

Kopaka shook his head again. "Impossible. It's on four legs."

"Lewa giving a piggyback ride?"

"Why, yes. You're a genius, of course it is. There's no other explanation. Thank you."

"You're welcome!"

"Amazing. Somehow, even with it spread as thick as I could layer it, the sarcasm I put into my sentence wasn't as thick as your skull."

Tahu's lavaboard lit up with heat as he tore it in half. "Someone's asking for a cracked mask!"

"Not like you could give me one," answered Kopaka smugly. "I could personally show you how."

"Quiet," Pohatu said. "Kopaka, scan for that creature again, will you?"

"Sure, stop the fight when I threaten him…" Kopaka activated his lens, looking toward the southeast. His eyebrow arched. "Interesting. It's gotten itself stuck in what looks like a bramble bush. Its leg's been cut in various places."

Onua put a hand to his chin. "This may be obvious, but did it mean to do that?"

"No, it appears it slipped into it."

Tahu folded his arms. "The same way you slipped a few weeks ago?"

Kopaka ignored him. "It's pulled itself out of the thorns. Posture looks odd."

"Can you focus on its appearance?" asked Gali.

"I'll try. But I need to get closer."

"Lewa!"

"LEEEE-WAAAH! Wake UUUH-UUP!"

"Tahu, that really isn't helping."

Lewa moaned, blinking his eyes open. The Toa surrounded him, worried looks in their eyes.

Gali sighed. "We're so glad we could find you. What in the world happened?"

"I dunno," Lewa said, sleepiness slurring his words. "I was flying or sightseeing—someth'n like that. Guess I crashed."

The Toa shared a significant glance.

Pohatu bent down. "Lewa, what are you holding?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah, this little—Whah!" Lewa jerked his hand backward, dropping what he held.

Gali shuddered. "Don't tell me that's a tweeper!"

"It is," Kopaka said solemnly, activating his lens. "From the looks of it, a clawed creature killed it."

"Any particular creature?" asked Pohatu.

"That's just it," Kopaka replied, his voice wavering. "All over this bird, particularly in the claw marks…" Turning off his visor, he faced the Toa. "There's Lewa's BNA."

Gali shrugged. "He was holding it."

"But it's deep in the marks. So either Lewa just happened to stick his finger into a dead bird, he killed it, or someone framed him. My guess is the latter."

"Sound enough," Tahu conceded. "What do you say, Lewa?… Lewa? Are you even awake?"

Lewa, in fact, wasn't. He lay sound asleep on the forest floor.

Onua wrapped his arms around him, lifting him up with ease. "Poor Lewa. He must feel exhausted. Tahu, may I take Lewa to his room so he can rest?"

Tahu nodded. "Of course, go ahead. Thank you, Onua."

"It's no trouble. I'll also make some tea for when Lewa wakes up."

Tahu couldn't help but smile. "You know, your heart is bigger than yourself sometimes—which really says something."

Onua laughed. "Ho ho ho! I'm glad you think that, Tahu. Now then," he said, turning away, "I'd best be going. Cheers!"

"I dunno why," Lewa mumbled as Onua tucked him into bed, "but I'm jus' reeeally tiirred. Hungry, too."

Onua pulled the covers up. "Don't you worry—I'm going to make you some tea and a snack, and then you'll feel all better. While I get it ready, why not take a little nap? Then you'll feel fresh and ready."

Lewa smiled. "M-hm. Thanks a lot…" Before Onua even stood up, Lewa had fallen asleep.

Poor dear, Onua thought. He walked to the kitchen, where he prepared a mug of tea. He added extra sugar.

While the tea steeped, he opened the cupboard, taking out a plate. Choosing with care, he took an assortment of salad, meat, and fruit. He briefly wondered whether Lewa would prefer orange or bonnotoboe, then settled for the third option of an apple. Who didn't like apples?

Onua didn't forget the tea. Setting the apple on its plate, he picked up the mug and looked inside. It had a deep, green color, smelling of jasmine and peach. He took an experimental sip. It tasted a little too sugary for him, but he knew how Lewa liked sweet things. He would love this.

Smiling at the thought, Onua began the walk to Lewa's room, singing a traditional Okotan song to himself.

He stopped, almost bumping into Kopaka. "Ah, hello, Kopaka. I hadn't expected you to return so soon."

"What else was there to do?" replied Kopaka. "The only worthwhile thing we did was scan the area for more of Lewa's BNA."

"And?"

"As strange as it sounds, I found some in a nearby bramble bush."

"Hold on," Onua said, setting the tea down. "You mentioned—early last evening—you had mentioned a creature trapping itself in some brambles, hadn't you?"

"Exactly. And there aren't any other bushes nearby, so this is the same bush. What's more, the only BNA from the last 24 hours on that bush was from Lewa."

"So it's not just the same bush…"

Kopaka, hearing Onua's voice drift off, finished his sentence. "It's the same creature."

"I still don't get it," Tahu complained. "I'm the leader here, aren't I? So why are we all letting Kopaka push us around?"

Pohatu said nothing. Spirit knows what went on in his head.

Tahu glared. "Whose side are you on?"

Again, no response. The Toa of Stone continued to stare at the ground. Eventually, he said, "You have a point. Now, look at these."

Tahu felt quite put out at Pohatu's abrupt subject change, but all the same bent down to see where he pointed. "Pawprints," he said. "But they're not headed toward the city."

Pohatu nodded. "They're pointing to that suspicious crowd of trees."

"That must be their secret base!"

"Won't be secret for long."

As the Toa followed the pawprints, they noticed two separate sets going in similar directions. They kept track of all three paths, which intersected right at—

"The middle of nowhere." Pohatu let out an annoyed sigh. "This was all pointless."

Tahu stared. "Are you serious? We didn't come here for nothing, Pohatu—I'm sure there's at least one interesting thing here. For example, the tracks—where do they go?"

"They all disappear at roughly the same point. Interesting."

"Not just that. Maybe the wolves don't even disappear. They just get into their secret lair, waiting until the sun falls…"

Pohatu put a hand to his chin. "As ridiculous as it sounds, that's a fair guess. And now that I look at it, the tracks all deliberately stop around this area here." He traced a circle in the dirt. "Hm. Feels like there are grooves in here."

"Let's crash the party, then, shall we?" Tahu grabbed the grooves Pohatu had mentioned and tore off… a lid?

Pohatu inhaled sharply. "Tahu, don't—!"

But Tahu had already jumped into the dark pit. Pohatu leaned over the edge, looking into the darkness. He held his breath, listening for the faintest sound.

Without warning, a bright red streak flew out of the hole, catching Pohatu off-guard. Less than a second later, Tahu fell to the ground with a clatter.

"You alright?" asked Pohatu, helping Tahu to his feet.

Tahu coughed. "I think so. Everything passed so quickly… but I'm okay."

"Glad to hear it."

CLANG.

"Oww! What was that for?"

"Don't do that again."

"Lewa? Are you awake?"

Lewa stirred at Onua's voice. "Yeah," he said tiredly. "Why?"

"Well, you certainly sound better," Onua said, setting a patterned mug on a nearby side table. "I have your tea ready. Would you like it now?"

"Sure, sure," Lewa said, smiling.

Onua nodded, handing him the tea. "I hope I didn't wake you up. How did you sleep?"

"Pretty well," Lewa said. "I kept having this weird dream where I was in a field, but it was made of fur." He took a sip of tea. "Sweet."

"I thought you would like it," Onua said, beaming. "As soon as you're finished, shall I bring you that snack? It has fruit, greens, and meat." He noted Lewa's eyes light up at the last word.

"Could you bring it up now?" Lewa asked. "I clean forgot how hungry I was after that nap."

"Of course. I'll get it right away."

As Onua headed to the kitchen, he couldn't help thinking about what Kopaka had said. It can't be possible, he tried to tell himself. Unless Lewa was pulling a cruel joke on us all. But no, he'd never go this far… And earlier, he appeared ill. Perhaps that's connected.

It didn't take him long to find the plate. As he picked it up, he noticed Kopaka directly in front of him. He appeared to be silently judging the plate. "Greetings again, Kopaka," Onua said. "You should try to announce your presence more—you almost startled me. Is something the matter?"

Kopaka took the slab of meat from the plate, letting it dangle from his fingers. "You're feeding him this?"

"Well… yes," Onua admitted. "Lewa needs energy, and meat helps with that."

"Helps him, or the creature?"

"Sorry?"

"Will the meat give Lewa energy," said Kopaka with narrowed eyes, "or are you awakening the beast within?"

Onua blinked many times. "I don't think I follow. How can you be so sure this creature is a carnivore?"

"Before Tahu, Pohatu and I parted ways, I scanned the BNA in the tweeper and bush. Both had their respective BNA, as well as some of Lewa's. While scanning the bush, I found Lewa's blood, but it had another animal's BNA. I've sorted through the genetic databases in my lens, and no herbivores match up. In short," Kopaka finished, "this creature didn't strictly eat plants."

"So a four-legged meat-eater," said Onua. "When you saw the creature for the first time, did you know its size?"

Kopaka's expression became blank as he thought. "Judging by the distance," he said, "it was around Lewa's size, perhaps smaller."

Onua nodded, hand to his chin. "Maybe with more information put together, we can figure out what it was."

"Good idea. I'll see if I can find more evidence. But until then, I'd advise not to feed Lewa any meat." Finally putting down the meat slab, Kopaka turned around and left.

With a deep sigh, Onua took the meat from the plate, setting it inside a cooling chamber in the wall. He then began walking again to his friend's room. He stayed silent the entire way.

Tahu stumbled along until he nearly knocked into Gali. He managed to keep himself upright, groaning.

Gali quickly put her arm around Tahu's back. "What happened?!"

"Ah-arrh… Don't worry…" Tahu said, straining his voice. "I was… gyrrh… jumping into the th-thick of battle…" This was, in fact, true—for the most part. Tahu had jumped, and he guessed it was in the thick of battle since everything had passed so fast.

But Gali's expression, at first concerned, changed to unconvinced. "Do you really need help that badly?"

Tahu staggered. "N-no… I'm fine…" He coughed a little too purposefully. "Just that my… my back—"

"Needs a massage?" Gali finished. "Come on, you're a Toa." She let her arm fall to her side, smiling. "Maybe I'd give you one if you didn't make up excuses."

Straightening, Tahu sighed. "Sorry. Now I feel like an idiot."

Gali rested a hand on Tahu's shoulder. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Nobody's perfect, Tahu—but you should still try. Anyway," she said, taking her hand off him, "I have to help Paleti with her spring problem. See you later."

"Wait!"

Gali stopped as she was turning. "Yes?"

"Well… the thing is, my back actually is rather sore. So if… if it's not too much trouble…"

Gali smiled. "This afternoon."

"Hiya!" said Lewa cheerily as Onua opened the door. "This tea's absolutely amazing! What's the flavor? Ooh, is that the snack? Epic!"

Onua made a mental note to not include caffeine in anything when serving Lewa. "Yes, it is. Dig in!"

Lewa practically leaped straight from the bed to Onua's side, scanning through the dish with his eyes. "Er… not to sound nitpicky, but… why's all these things plants?"

Onua blinked. "Aren't you a Toa of Jungle?"

"Well—yeah," Lewa said haltingly. "But I mean, that's kinda the point. It's like I'm eating my own kind, y'know?"

"You are what you eat, as they say. Gali drinks water, and—"

"I don't remember eating myself."

Onua stared. Lewa grinned. Both threw back their heads in laughter.

"CALLED IT."

Kopaka let out a long sigh. "I do not think it necessary to rub your 'victory' in my face, Tahu."

"But I said so," said Tahu smugly, "and you didn't believe me."

"While you were correct in saying that was Lewa," Kopaka said, "it still technically was neither his mind nor his body."

"Techenally, shmekenally. I'm still right."

"Yes," Kopaka said slowly. "Yes, you are."

"We need to go back to their base." It was Pohatu who said this.

Tahu turned to the Toa of Stone. "We saw all there is to see. Also, do you know how to be nice when interrupting a conversation?"

Kopaka smirked. "That was a conversation?"

Pohatu ignored their last sentences, saying, "Tahu, did you see anything in the seconds you were in the base?"

"Look who's playing detective," Tahu said. "It was pitch-black—that I remember. But everything went by really quickly. I'm pretty sure there was more than one wolf, though."

"There were wolves in there?" said Pohatu.

"Yeah—more than one was in front of me, but the cave—I'm guessing it was a cave—the cave was humongous, so who knows how many there are?"

"Well," Kopaka said, standing, "There are the three we defeated. Assuming the tracks you two found were different from the other that attacked, and including the two Tahu saw—"

"I never said there were two—just more than one!"

"At the minimum, there were two. Now, added together, we have at least five wolves alive—six, if you include Lewa."

Pohatu stiffened. "Lewa? What happened to him?"

"A wolf happened," Kopaka said gravely. "Last night, both the moons were full. And now that I think of it, Lewa didn't look comfortable."

"Hold on," Tahu said. "You're saying Lewa's a… a werewolf or something? How does that even work?"

"It shouldn't." Kopaka walked to the door. "But if you're right, Lewa's going to change again tonight. Before that happens—"

"We need to find and create a cure," Tahu finished.

"Exactly. Were you hurt while in the cave?"

"No, unless dizziness counts."

Kopaka nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Pohatu, can you create lightstones?"

"That's more Onua's thing," Pohatu answered, "but yes."

"Great." Kopaka opened the door. "I think we should pay those wolves a visit."