//------------------------------// // Hangin’ with the ponies // Story: Bionicle: The Darkness Within // by FenrisianBrony //------------------------------// The six Toa followed the element bearers out of the castle, and made their way towards the front gate. Signalling to the guards, the gates were thrown open, and the two groups walked out onto the streets of Canterlot. Instantly, the ponies walking around the city stopped in their tracks, staring at the Toa in a mixture of shock and awe. “This is what they do when anypony leaves the castle.” Rarity whispered to the group. “Even more so when six of them are the Elements of Harmony, and the other six are aliens.” Twilight whispered. “Will it be a problem?” Vakama asked. “None. We just need to get y’all the station. Ponyville is more accepting of, different, ponies than Canterlot.” Applejack said. “Zecora.” Twilight coughed, unsubtlety, drawing a look from the other five ponies. “I feel like we just missed something.” Nokama whispered to her brothers. “Anyway, we need to go or we won’t make it to the station in time to catch the train.” Twilight pointed out, walking away from the group and leading them towards the station. The strange looks persisted all the way to the station, as did the half-audible whispers. “Who are…” “…hurt…” “Celestia…mad…crazy.” Eventually, the twelve arrived at the station, and, walking past the ticket officer, stopped on the platform. Not even a minute later, the train chugged into view, and stopped by the platform. “All aboard!” Shouted the conductor, stepping off from the guards’ wagon at the back. “Next stop. Ponyville.” “Looks like this is us girls. And, Toa.” Twilight smiled, holding the door open for the others. “Oh, I can’t wait to get back to my little animal friends.” Fluttershy said softly. “They always get so nervous when I’m not around.” “You always say that.” Rainbow laughed. “So you care for animals?” Nokama asked, sitting down awkwardly next to Fluttershy. “Oh yes. My little critter friends help keep my house warm and cosy, and I help them to do the same for theirs.” She replied, happy to be talking about her animal friends. “Nokama over here’s a regular Rahi-speaker, aren’t you sister.” Matau laughed, sitting down as far away from Rainbow Dash as he could. The divide was not unnoticed by the others. “You two. Still so ill at ease?” Onewa asked, sitting down next to his brother. The two descended into conversation, while the other Toa found seats around the empty carriage. Other than the occasional bad joke from Matau or a random act of Pinkie, the journey was surprisingly uneventful, and soon, the two groups were leaving the train in Ponyville. “So what should we do now?” Nokama asked, looking around at the others. “Well I want to see if this place has an archive.” Whenua said decisively, “Just think of what I could learn.” “Oh boy. Egghead mode.” Rainbow muttered. “Archive? Like, library type archive?” Twilight asked, bouncing excitedly in front of Whenua. “Uh, yeah. You have a library don’t you?” “Oh yesyesyesyesyes.” Twilight said gleefully, bouncing around, before pushing Whenua with her head in the direction of the library. The other Toa looked shocked for a second, before asking the obvious question. “What was that?” Vakama asked. “Oh, that’s just Twilight. She goes into full egghead mode when she thinks she’s with a scholar.” “Interesting.” Nuju said. “Well, I got ta be getting’ back to the farm.” Applejack proclaimed. “Any of y’all Toa want ta come with?” “Why don’t you go Onewa?” Matau laughed. “Great idea. I could use some help around the farm anyhow.” Applejack said, before walking over to Onewa. “That’s if it’s ok with y’all?” Onewa looked between Applejack and the others, before scowling at Matau. “Fine.” “Great. Well, come on their partner. We best be goin’.” Applejack said, turning and walking off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, Onewa skulking behind her. “Well as Applejack so eloquently put it, some of us do have duties. I suggest we all get going.” Rarity said, looking around the group. “Yep. I’ve got to catch up on some serious stunt flying.” Rainbow proclaimed with a smile. “Oh yeah, as if you could wind-fly properly.” Matau sneered. “Was that a challenge?” Rainbow asked, squaring off to Matau. “Come on. Let’s leave the two love birds alone.” Pinkie said, somehow pushing both of the three remaining Toa, Rarity and Fluttershy away at the same time. “I…I need to get back to my animal friends.” Fluttershy stammered. “I’ll come with you. It will be interesting to see the different types of Rahi beasts that inhabit your planet.” “I really must be getting back to Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said, looking between Vakama and Nuju. “Would one of you like to accompany me?” “I’ll come.” Nuju said, standing next to the white unicorn. “Everybody else seems to be going off with a pony.” “Guess that leaves you and me hey Vakami?” Pinkie said, smiling and nudging the Toa as the two white creatures walked away. “It would appear so Pinkie.” Vakama said. “And please, Vakama, not Vakami.” “Okie dokie loki Vakokie” She giggled, before bouncing off towards sugar cube corner. Sighing, Vakama followed the eccentric pink pony into the main town. *** The Scholars *** “Ohmygosh. Whatcanwelookat? Oohohh,Iknow,book.” Twilight said excitedly, hardly taking time to breath in between words. “Hey, take it easy there Twilight.” Whenua said with a chuckle. “We need level heads to properly search the archives.” “You…your right.” Twilight said sheepishly, scratching the back of her head with a fore hoof. “So what exactly are we looking for?” “Anything that may help us find the Makuta. Our ship indicates that he came through only an hour before we did, but we found no trace of him when we came through. It is likely that he knew where he was going before he came here, meaning he must have been here before.” “So we are looking for any anomalies in history that may point to him appearing before?” Twilight said, more to herself than Whenua, before walking off to a bookshelf. Igniting her horn, she drew out a book, and brought it down, blowing a small bit of dust off the cover. “A History of Equestrian and the Equine race.” She read, setting the book in front of Whenua. “If you read this one, I’ll search other books for clues.” “Good idea. Well, I best get reading then.” Whenua said, opening the books. “It’s odd. All these books look like they are in old Matoran.” “Oh that? That is the writing of post-nightmare Equestria. No pony really knows where it came from, but it replaced the pre-nightmare language almost overnight.” Twilight explained. “Interesting.” Whenua said absent minded. “Luckily for you, I’m not some Po-Metru builder. I can actually read.” “Then we best get started.” Twilight agreed, grabbing another book with her magic and setting it on the floor, before lying down to read it. *** The Help *** “Who-we. Looks Big Mac already started on the southern field. I’m gonna say hi ta Applebloom, then we can go and help mah brother.” Applejack said, pushing her hat up so she could see properly. “Whoa. Whoa.” Onewa said, stopping Applejack. “What’s this about work?” “Ah shoot. Did ah forget ta mention. Y’all probably don’t have ta buck Apple trees where you come from. It’s simple, I’ll show ya right after…” She was cut off by a small yellow blur, as a small pony with a bow in her mane jumped on her sister. “Applejack. Yer back.” She said excitedly. “Ah missed ya to little sis.” Applejack said, rustling her sisters’ mane, before standing up again. “I’d like y’all ta meet my new friend Onewa.” She moved over and indicated the Toa standing behind her. Applebloom jumped back in surprise, as if she hadn’t seen the Toa yet, before regaining her composure. “Pleased ta meet ya. I’m Applebloom. Applejacks little sister.” She said, enthusiastically shaking Onewas’ hand. “Likewise.” He said dryly, before letting go of her hoof. “Yer head looks familiar.” Applebloom said uncertainly, peering at Onewas’ mask. “My mask?” “Oh, it’s a mask.” Applebloom said, nodding her head. “Like Matau had as his Cutie Mark.” “Wait, you’ve met Matau?” Onewa asked in surprise. “Yeah. Me and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders ran tried to arrest him to git ah Cutie Marks in being night guards. He said his cutie mark was the great Mah-something of shape-shifting.” “The great Mahiki Kanohi mask of shape-shifting?” Onewa asked. “Yeah, that’s it.” She said excitedly. “How d’y’all know him?” “He’s my brother.” Onewa said reluctantly. “But, he’s a pony.” Applebloom said uncertainly. “Nope. Let me guess, a dark grey bat-pony thing?” Getting a nod from Applebloom, he continued. “He can shapeshift. It’s the power of his mask.” “I’ve got to tell the girls.” Applebloom said excitedly, before rushing off, disappearing from sight in a matter of seconds. “Is she always like that?” Onewa asked. “Yeah. Her and her friends are excitable, that’s fer sure, but their hearts are in the right place.” Applejack smiled, before setting off in the direction of her brother. Following behind, Onewa finally caught sight of Big Macintosh, and was visibly cowed by his presence. Sure, the princesses had been big, but only in so much as they were taller than other ponies. This pony however, was physically bigger than any pony he had seen, and Onewa did not want to think of the damage he could do if he wanted to. “Howdy Big Mac.” Applejack said, waving at her brother. “This here is mah brother big Macintosh.” She said, by way of introduction. “This here is Onewa. He’s a guest of the Princesses and my friend.” “Howdy.” Big Mac said, nodding slightly. “Well, come on then. These apples aren’t gonna buck themselves.” Moving off, the two ponies began to move through the trees, placing buckets under them, before delivering a swift kick to the trunk of each one, and causing the fruit to fall of it. Onewa looked at the spectacle, before sliding down the trunk of one of the trees, and sitting on the grass, watching the two pony’s impassively. After hours, Applejack had finally had enough, and marched over to the Toa. “Up. Y’all need ta stop being lazy and help. This here is a big harvest, and we got ta get it all done by the end of the day if we want to sell them at the market.” “Yeah, well you and your brother seem to have it under control.” Onewa pointed out, rising to his feet. “Maybe, but y’all can still help.” Applejack pointed out, “Or do I have ta get my brother to make ya help?” That particular veiled threat was enough to stir Onewa into action. Groaning, he got to his feet. “What do I do?” “That’s the spirit.” Applejack smiled. “Well we kick the trees to get the apples down, but I’m not sure if that would work for y’all.” “What about this?” Onewa asked, drawing an odd, hammer like object. “That may work.” Applejack nodded, before leading Onewa over to a tree, a pair of buckets already placed beneath it. “Why don’t ya try it out on this one?” Sighing, Onewa moved himself into position, before readying his weapon. Drawing it back, he brought it whistling through the air, and smashing against the trees. A crack was heard, and a bit of the bark splintered under his hit, but it had the desired effect, and the apples fell neatly into the baskets. “Not bad Onewa.” Applejack smiled. “Yeah, not bad at all.” Onewa said, smiling slightly. *** Design *** “Sweetie Belle? Sweetie Belle.” Rarity called, walking into Carousel Boutique. “Nice place.” Nuju commented, ducking through the door. “Oh sorry, allow me to welcome you to Carousel Boutique, where everything is sheek, sleek and manifique.” Rarity said with a flourish. “This is where you work?” Nuju asked. “And live, with my sister.” She smiled. “Sweetie Belle?!” “Coming.” Came a voice from upstairs, followed swiftly by a small white unicorn bounding down the stairs, before coming to a halt, her eyes wide as she stared at Nuju. “Sweetie Belle. It does not behove a lady to stare.” Rarity admonished, before turning to Nuju. “I am sorry for my sisters rudeness.” “There is no need. If I saw a pony walk into my home, I would be more than a bit concerned.” With that, he knelt down until he was almost at the eye level of Sweetie Belle. “Greetings. I am Nuju, the Toa of Ice, and a guest of both your princesses, and your sister. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” “Such poise.” Rarity said in a hushed tone. “You look like someone I’ve met before.” Sweetie Belle said after a period of time had passed. “Perhaps you have seen one of my brothers, or my sister?” Nuju offered. “No, it was a pony.” She said, scratching her head, before jumping in the air in glee. “I’ve got it!” She squeaked. “That nice pony Mr Matau had a Cutie Mark that looked kind of like your face.” “Oh. That.” Nuju said, amusement slipping into his voice, before rising to his feet. “Was this pony by any chance a grey bat-pony?” Rarity asked. “Yeah. How did you know?” Sweetie Belle asked. Getting down to whisper in Sweetie Belles ear, Rarity told her something the Nuju could not make out. “You mean…” Sweetie Belle asked, her voice squeaking. “Yes.” Rarity nodded, a slight smirk appearing on her face. “I’ve got to tell the others.” She said excitedly, before rushing out of the building. “I am assuming that you told her that the pony was also a Toa like me?” Nuju asked. “I may have hinted as such.” Rarity said mischievously.” Now that my sister is gone, I have a proposal for you.” She said. “What did you have in mind?” Nuju asked, his left eye cover narrowing. “I am a fashion designer by trade, and I am usually called upon to make dresses. Beautiful dresses I may add. Occasionally, I am asked to create an ensemble for a stallion, but never have I had the opportunity to create my art for a bipedal creature, such as yourself. “So you are asking to make me an ‘outfit’?” Nuju asked, summarising her point. “Yes.” “What you are doing is an aspect of the present. The future is the only thing that can truly matter.” Nuju argued. “I could not agree more darling.” Rarity smiled. “As a fashion designer, I need to constantly predict what new fashions are going to be prevalent. The future is important, but I must create my ensembles in the present, for them to be available in the future.” “That does make a certain amount of sense I suppose.” Nuju nodded. “Lead on then, and you may create your ensemble.” “Thank you for being so agreeable darling.” Rarity smiled, levitating a tape measure over to Nuju and stretching it next to his arm. “I was afraid you would be a brute like the Minotaur warriors are.” “Toa are more than warriors. We are heroes to our people. We are bound by our honour and our code.” Nuju said, not unkindly, but with an edge to his voice. “I meant no offense.” Rarity said, concentrating on her work. Realising that he was unlikely to get any more out of the pony now she was in full designer mode, and instead opted to stay silent and unmoving, allowing Rarity to go about her work. *** Stunts *** “Ugh, leave me alone!” Rainbow shouted, finally getting fed up with the insufferable Toa of Air. “How about you admit I’m way more awesome than you, and then I will?” Matau said with a smirk. “There’s only one way to settle this.” Rainbow smiled. “Oh but wait, you don’t have wings, so it looks like I win by default.” “Oh really? You think you can out wind-fly me?” Matau asked, a smirk of his own forming. “What?” Rainbow asked. “You mean you can fly?” “Can a Ta-Matoran form a great Kanohi?” Matau smiled. “Choose a course, and I’ll prove that I’m more than a match for you.” “Bring it on.” Rainbow smiled. “See that mountain over there?” Rainbow pointed off into the distance. “To that and back?” Matau guessed. “You read my mind.” Rainbow grinned back, before taking off at high speeds, leaving a small trail of dust behind her. “Quick-speed wind-flyer.” Matau muttered, sprinting forward. As he did so, his two aero slicers appeared on his back, and he smiled, before pushing himself off from the ground and following Rainbow. Catching up with the Rainbow pony, he gave her a gentle nudge, before beginning to edge past her. “Whoa. That’s fast.” Rainbow grunted, pushing herself back into the lead. Matau didn’t reply, and for a moment, the pair were neck and neck, reaching the mountains peak and circling around it. It was Matau noticed an odd cone forming just in front of Rainbows nose. Edging away from Rainbow, Matau began to lose ground, falling behind Rainbow, first by a tiny bit, and then by an ever growing margin. “Oh no you…” he began, before the Mach cone forming in front of Rainbow condensed, and she shot forward, rocketing away from Matau. That was the least of his concerns however. The shockwave produced by Rainbow buffeted the Toa, shaking loose one of his aero slicers, and sending him spinning out of control to the floor below. *** “Girls? Girls?! He’s waking up.” Came a disjointed voice, and Matau struggled to open his eyes to see the speaker. Opening his eyes, he found he could only see from one eye, and smacked his mask, moving it round so he could see properly again. In doing so, he managed to focus his vision on the three small ponies in front of him. “Hey, I’m remember you.” He said, getting to his feet. “You’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders, aren’t you?” “See, there’s proof.” Sweetie Belle said excitedly, turning to address Scootaloo. “No it’s not.” Scootaloo insisted. “We’re pretty famous, maybe he just heard of us.” “But Onewa said he was.” Applebloom pointed out. “And my sister said it as well.” Sweetie Belle insisted. “Girls.” Matau said, holding up his arms. “What’s going on?” “Scootaloo doesn’t believe us that you were that pony we tried to arrest.” Sweetie Belle said. “Oh that, yeah, I wanted to see the town.” Matau said with a smirk. “Well…um…” Scootaloo said uncertainly, before making up her mind. “He could just be lying for you.” “Would this change your mind?” Matau asked, his mask glowing, heralding his transformation into the same grey bat-pony as before. “Uh…bah…huh?” Scootaloo babbled, while the other two fillies snickered at their friends’ discomfort. “Does that settle the argument?” Matau asked, transforming back into his Toa self. “Yeah, I guess.” Scootaloo said glumly. “Hey, chin up pony.” Matau smiled, kneeling down to Scootaloos eye level. “Not every quarrel can be won. Sometimes we are wrong, and have to accept it.” “Thanks.” Scootaloo smiled, looking up at the Toa. “Now, what are three little ponies doing way out here?” “We were lookin’ for ya’ll.” Applebloom said proudly. “Rainbow was worried about y’all, and when she saw us walkin’ around, she asked us for her help.” “Well you have my thanks then.” Matau smiled, getting back to his feet properly. “We should probably get back to Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo pointed out. “Yeah.” Matau said glumly. “Still can’t believe she did, whatever she did.” “What? Her Sonic Rainboom?” Scootaloo asked excitedly. “It was awesome!” “Yeah, I’m not sure any pony has ever been that close to a Sonic Rainboom.” Sweetie Belle said thoughtfully. “Not sure it’s a good thing.” Mata sighed, before setting off at a walking pace. “Come on, we’ve probably got a long walk to make before we get back to Ponyville.” *** Rahi Speak *** Fluttershy and Nokama walked beside each other in silence, deep in contemplation as they moved towards Fluttershys cottage. Eventually, the silent pair reached the bridge that lead over the small brook that lay just outside it and stopped. “Um…well, this is my cottage. I know it’s not much, but it’s…” Fluttershy began softly. “…beautiful.” Nokama finished in stunned amazement. “It is?” Fluttershy asked in surprise. “Yes. It reminds me of Ga-Metru in a lot of ways.” Nokama said with a wistful smile. “Oh, here I am babbling away like an old fish-mare, while my little animal friends are getting lonely inside.” Fluttershy said, suddenly darting towards her door and slipping inside. Smiling, Nokama followed the pony, walking inside her house and closing the door behind her. Inside the house were all manner of Rahi-beasts were walking around, or flitting around the roof, darting in and out of little houses that looked completely hand made. Nokama watched with interest as Fluttershy flew around the house, placing foodstuffs in front of the various houses and animals, before turning to face Nokama once more. “Would you like anything to drink?” She asked, before remembering that the Toa didn’t need to intake substances, and clamping her hooves over her mouth. “It is ok Fluttershy.” Nokama said, realising what the pony was worried about and taking steps to calm her. “I was curious about this food and drink at breakfast, but decided it was best to wait until after we had ascertained what our next plan was.” “Oh. Well, I can make some tea if you’d like?” Fluttershy said. “If you would like some as well, it would be an appreciated gesture.” Nokama said. “As long as it will not inconvenience you.” “Not at all.” Fluttershy smiled, before turning towards the kitchen. “Please have a seat.” Nodding, Nokama turned and walked towards the sofa, taking a seat on it and placing her hands on her lap. A she did so, she heard an indignant squeak from around her feet, and looked down to see a tiny white Rahi-beast. “Hello little one.” She smiled, picking up the little white creature. The creature in return simply stared at Nokama with a disapproving glare, before pulling back one of its feet and kicking Nokama in her mask. “Stop that.” Nokama said sternly, looking down at the creature. Once again, the creature simply drew back it leg and started to kick her quicker. Taking that as the final straw, Nokamas’ mask began to glow a soft blue colour, and she stared at the white creature, projecting her thoughts in its language towards it. “Stop that, now. I am a friend of Fluttershy.” The creature looked at Nokama quizzically, before replying. “You know master?” “I do. And that of her friends and the princesses.” Nokama said. “Now, I believe introductions shall help to balm the wound you believe I have done you. I am Nokama, the Toa of Water of the Toa Metru team.” “It is a pleasure to meet you. Fluttershy named me Angel, or Angel Bunny.” The creature said with a smile. “If I may ask, what manner of Rahi are you?” Nokama asked. “I assume you are talking about what form of creature I am?” Angel asked. “I am a rabbit, or a bunny to be specific.” “Then it is a pleasure to meet you on equal terms, Angel Bunny the Rabbit.” Nokama said, holding Angel bunny close to her face. “Likewise, Nokama, Toa of Water.” The bunny smiled. “Oh, Angel isn’t giving you any trouble is he? Fluttershy asked, coming back into the room with a tray and setting it down before the pair. “Not at all.” Nokama smiled as Fluttershy say down next to her. “We were just having a friendly conversation.” “Wait, can you understand animals as well?” Fluttershy asked, before pouring a cup of tea and passing it to Nokama. Thank you.” She relied, taking the proffered cup. “And yes, each Toa has a power that is donated by their mask. Mine grants me the ability to converse with animals in their own tongue.” “Amazing.” Fluttershy said, taking a sip of her own tea and sighing. Taking this as a cue, Nokama raised her own cup to her mouth, before taking a small, cautious sip. As soon as the liquid touched Nokamas lips, her eyes shot open in amazement. “This is…lovely.” She said, taking another sip. “You like it?” Fluttershy asked happily, as Angel bounded away and grabbing hold of a leaf of lettuce. “I do.” Nokama affirmed. “Oh well please, have as much as you like.” Fluttershy smiled, glad to have another who could share in her indulgence. Another bonus was the fact that Nokama was great with animals, and was, while not shy, seemed to be quite, which suited her perfectly. *** Baking and Smelting *** “Ohoh, what should we do?” Pinkie said, bouncing around Vakama as the pair walked towards Sugarcube corner. “What is it that you usually do?” Vakama asked back. “Ooh, I bake cakes, and cupcakes, and cakes in cup so I can drink them, and sweets, and sugar, come to think of it I don’t bake sugar, but I eat it, so that counts.” Pinkie said excitedly. “You seem taken with your calling.” Vakama smiled. “I used to have a clear calling as well, back when I was a Matoran.” “What did you do? *Gasp* Were you a baker as well? Oh wait, you don’t eat? *Gasp* That means you’ve never had a cupcake.” With that, she grabbed hold of Vakamas hand and dragging him along. “Out of the way. We need to get this Toa a cake stat.” A moment later, Vakama had somehow been dragged into the odd looking building and sat down at a table, while Pinkie reached behind him and pulled a cake out, placing it on the table in front of him. “What…how?” Vakama asked, looking at the empty space behind him and then back to the cake. “Oh silly, I have cakes stashed all over, well, Equestria actually, in case of cake related emergencies.” Pinkie Pie said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Now, here comes the aeroplane, do we even have aeroplanes?” Pinkie said, picking up a piece of cake and moving it towards Vakama while deep in her own thoughts. “Thank you Pinkie.” Vakama said, tentatively taking the cake and bringing it to his mouth, before taking a small bite. “Weeeelllllll?” Pinkie asked. “It’s good, but I have nothing to compare it against, so I cannot say how good it is.” Vakama pointed out. “*Gasp* Why don’t we cook together? We can make you some more cake so you can compare stuff, and we can have fun doing it together.” Pinkie said excitedly. “I don’t have much experience with this type of thing.” Vakama pointed out. “The closest I’ve done is smelting masks.” Vakama reached behind his back and pulled out the almost finished mask. “Wow.” Pinkie said, nodding at the mask she now held. “What?” Vakama asked, looking between the mask and his hand, trying to work out how it got from his hand to Pinkies hoof. “Does this make me look like a spooky alien?” Pinkie asked, putting the mask on her face and walking around on her hind legs. “Maybe when I’ve finished it.” Vakama smiled, plucking the mask off of Pinkie face. “Okie Dokie Lokie.” She smiled, before bouncing off into the kitchen. Sighing, Vakama followed her. *** 5 hours later *** “Find anything Whenua?” Twilight asked, putting another book into the ever growing pile next to her. “Nothing.” Whenua said, tossing a book from him. “The only thing is this eternal night that Nightmare Moon attempted to bring about.” “How so?” Twilight asked. “The Makuta attempted to shroud our land in Shadows.” Whenua said, turning to Twilight. “Hey hey hey.” Rainbow said, pushing the door open and strutting inside. “Have you heard of knocking? Twilight asked in an annoyed tone. “Yeah.” Rainbow said with a smirk. “Whatever. Where’s Matau?” Twilight asked. “I don’t know. We had a race and he fell out of the sky.” Rainbow smirked. “And you didn’t stop to help him?” Twilight asked in astonishment. “I…” She trailed off. “Don’t worry about Matau.” Whenua smiled. “He’s much too stupid to do anything more than knock sense into his head.” “Are you sure?” Twilight asked. “Positive.” Whenua said. “And what would make the archivist so positive?” Onewa asked, walking into the library. “Matau.” Whenua said simply. “Ah. Who else?” Onewa laughed. “This Toa sure is good at Applebucking.” Applejack said, walking into the room. “We cleared out the whole southern field in a day.” “You helped?” Whenua asked, turning to Onewa. “Why are you so surprised?” Onewa asked indignantly. “Because you’re lazy.” Whenua laughed, effectively silencing Onewa. “Oh look, more ponies walking into my home without knocking.” Twilight said scathingly. As she said this, Pinkie and Vakama walked in, the former bouncing happily, while the latter was simply covered in cake batter and icing. “What happened to you brother?” Onewa laughed. “Pinkie.” Vakama said with a grimace. “I pity you.” Twilight and Applejack muttered at almost the same time. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Twilight let out a sigh of relief that at least someponies had some manners. “Do come in.” She said, opening the door to reveal Fluttershy and Nokama. “Did you two get along?” Twilight asked as they walked over the threshold of the house. “Oh yes.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Nokama and I had a wonderful time with my animal friends.” “Sounds like y’all made a firm friend there Fluttershy.” Applejack smiled. “Oh yes, Nokama is…” Fluttershy began, but was cut off by a loud shout. “RAINBOW DASH!?” A moment later, the green form of Matau appeared in the doorway, flanked by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. “You owe me a debt!” Matau shouted. “I do?” Rainbow asked, stepping back from the Toa, a chill of fear running down her spine. Matau advanced towards Rainbow, and she slowly began edging back, but Matau was on her before she could get more than a few places away. He thrust his arm towards her, stopping it just before her muzzle, and turning it around so his forearm was in front of Rainbows eyes, revealing a long scratch in the armour. “You scratched my armour.” He said, his face devoid of emotion, before it broke, and he burst out laughing. “You…I got you.” He wheezed. “You mean it was a joke?!” Rainbow shouted. “Yep. We helped.” Sweetie Belle said proudly. “Yeah. Matau is almost as cool as you Rainbow.” Scootaloo said with a smirk. “Where are Nuju and Rarity?” Vakama asked, turning from the bickering pony and Toa. “I have no idea.” Twilight admitted. “Here we are.” Came Rarity’s voice, as she walked into the library, before turning to face out of the room. “Introducing the new ensemble of Toa Nuju, commander of the element of Ice.” She announced in an overly dramatic way. At this cue, Nuju walked into the room, stopping just inside of the door and allowing everybody inside to get a proper look at him. The white Toa was resplendent, his armour seeming to glow as if freshly polished. What did catch everybody’s eye however was the clothes he now sported. Rarity had fashioned a perfect tuxedo, its colour darker than any night sky, and seemed to draw in light towards its inky blackness. What did amuse the others more than the suit though, was what he wore on his mask. Over his left eye, he wore a large monocle, its chain falling down, before rising again and attaching directly to his armour. All in all, the Toa warrior looked, dapper. “Wow. Rarity, you have outdone yourself.” Twilight said in admiration. “You can say that again Twi.” Applejack said, walking over to Nuju. “You look good brother. A welcome break from the usual boringness of your visage.” Whenua laughed. “In all serious brother, the current ensemble suits you.” Vakama said, nodding in appreciation. “As the other element bearers said Rarity, you have done well.” “Thank you darling.” Rarity smiled. “I would be honoured to make such an ensemble for you. Your armours bold colours make for such interesting possibilities of colour ranges, even more than ponies fur colour.” “Maybe at a later date.” Vakama said with a smile of his own, before turning to face Twilight and Whenua. “Have you discovered anything that would assist our search?” “Nothing. Barring the eternal night of Nightmare moon, but Twilight has assured me that that was the doing of a spirit that infested the mind of Princess Luna, and turned her against her sister.” “I am interested to hear about this.” Vakama said, stepping forward. “Please, enlightens my brothers, my sister and I.” “Very well.” Whenua said, sitting on the floor and bidding everybody else to do the same. “It all started just over one thousand years ago…”