BC2 - Night Vision

He caught up with the Turaga around the next corner. The tunnel sloped sharply downward here and the air was warmer. Onua wondered if they were still in Onu-Wahi, or if they could have journeyed as far as the realm of Tahu. It certainly felt like they were in the heart of a volcano.

When he pressed Whenua for an explanation of his words, the Turaga shook his head. “I meant nothing. Besides, we have far greater things to worry about than that right now.”

At first, Onua did not know what he could be talking about. Then he remembered that the Kanohi Ruru mask Whenua wore gave the Turaga far greater night vision than even the Toa possessed. Now that he looked harder, he could see the floor and walls up ahead were… moving.

Despite the oppressive heat, the Toa of Earth suddenly felt very, very cold.

“Kofo-Jaga,” he whispered. “Fire-scorpions.”

Whenua took a step backward. “Alone, no threat. But in a swarm…”

Onua nodded. In a swarm, Kofo-Jaga could bring down a creature many times their size. They thrived on heat and flame, and although they plagued Onu-Wahi, many believed they were native to the lava pits of Ta-Koro. Certainly they would follow the scent of molten magma wherever it might lead.

“We have to turn back,” said Whenua. “They have not noticed us yet.”

“Run?” Onua replied in disbelief. “From an insect.”

“You are very wise, Onua,” said the Turaga of Earth. “Perhaps the wisest of all the six Toa. But experience is the greatest teacher. What does experience tell you?”

Onua respected his Turaga, admired him, and would have given his life to protect him. But he still hated it when Whenua was right.

“Fire-scorpions felled a full-grown Kane-Ra bull, a hundred suns past. It was a day the beast still remembers with pain,” said Whenua. Then he added, “He was too foolish to know to avoid them.”

Onua Nuva did not answer. He simply turned his back on the Kofo-Jaga and walked away.


- BIONICLE Chronicles 4: Tales of the Masks, Chapter 2