Takua

"You were always different..."

- Jaller, Mask of Light

Takua was an Av-Matoran who was placed in Ta-Metru, and later lived in Ta-Koro, and led a particularly adventurous life for any Matoran. He eventually was transformed into a Toa and renamed himself Takanuva.

Pre-Metru Nui
Takua was originally from the Av-Matoran homeland. He was best friends with Solek. Takua was among the Av-Matoran who colonized Karda Nui, during which he once talked with Gali and showed his amazement at her skills. Takua later returned to his original homeland and was eventually relocated to Metru Nui by the Order of Mata Nui during the Great Time Slip disguised as a Ta-Matoran, though, due to his lackluster amount of control, his disguise was a poor one. He was the only Av-Matoran placed on the Island City of Metru Nui. Not much else is known about his history before Metru Nui.

Metru Nui
A simple toolmaker in Ta-Metru, Takua also ran a small business in his home called "Takua's Trade Goods", offering souvenirs from other Metru that he had picked up on his travels, which he often did when he was assigned to do work. This habit often attracted a lot of attention from the Vahki squads. A running joke in Ta-Metru was that an entire squad was assigned just to keep watch on Takua. Sometime during his years on Metru Nui his original mask was damaged and replaced with a Pakari. It never fit very well and turned blue when worn, as it hadn't been locked as one color like his previous mask. Along with all of the Matoran in Metru Nui, Takua was cast into a slumber by Teridax and later rescued and brought to Mata Nui by the Toa Metru. Shortly after being awakened by the Toa on Naho Bay, Takua noticed a Ta-Matoran named Jaller, whose strength was slowly draining because his mask had been damaged in the pod. Turaga Vakama then gave Jaller Lhikan's Hau, which Vakama had saved after Lhikan's death.

Mata Nui
Little is known of Takua's history during the thousand years of quasi-exile on Mata Nui until shortly before the arrival of the Toa Mata. Takua, however, he once wandered into a stretch of jungle and encountered a Nui-Jaga but managed to escape by leading it into a Muaka's cave.

Quest for the Toa Stones
Because he was not content to stay in his village and work, Takua was banished from his home of Ta-Koro. Awakening on a beach, he was told by Jaller that Turaga Metru Whenua had an important job for him. Upon entering Onu-Koro, he learned that Whenua had been kidnapped by Rahi and that his staff had been stolen. Takua bravely rescued the Turaga and recovered both the staff and the lost Toa Stone of Earth. Whenua informed him that the Rahi had been stepping up their attacks, and that he must continue to help the other villages. As Takua traveled from village to village, he rescued all the Turaga and recovered their staffs and the six Toa Stones. Once he recovered the Toa Stones, the Turaga told him to arrange them around the Kini-Nui. When Takua compiled the Stones, they released a huge beam of energy into the sky, blasting Takua into the air. He landed on the Ta-Koro Beach and was knocked unconscious.

The Quest of the Chronicler
For some reason, the blast had caused Takua to obtain amnesia. He followed Tahu through the Charred Forest and rediscovered the village of Ta-Koro. Once there, he learned from Vakama the legend of the Toa, and heard how the Ta-Matoran had mistaken Tahu for a Rahi, and had tried to attack him. He then warned Takua that he was not yet welcome in Ta-Koro, for the Matoran did not trust travelers. While he was in Ta-Koro, Takua met Jaller, who would end up sharing in his later adventures. Takua returned to the beach, where he found a distressed Ga-Matoran named Macku. Macku told him that Ga-Koro had been attacked by Rahi, and that only she had escaped. Borrowing Macku's boat, Takua returned to the village of water. Finding that one of the huts had sunk, Takua learned that Turaga Nokama and the inhabitants of Ga-Koro were trapped inside. Takua dove into the water and retrieved the missing gear from the city pump, returning the hut to the surface. A Tarakava attacked the Matoran as they escaped, but Toa Gali arrived in time to protect them, defeating the Tarakava and removing its Infected Kanohi. Macku told him of Po-Koro, and the Kolhii champion Hewkii who lived there. Upon arriving in Po-Koro, Takua learned that Hewkii and many of the other Matoran had fallen to an epidemic. Investigating the Comet Balls that were being sold in the market, Takua found a small stone key with an Elemental symbol on it. Takua journeyed to the Po-Wahi Quarry, and there found the door which the key opened. Inside, he found the source of the Comet Balls and discovered that they were being stored with infected masks and were being guarded by a Nui-Jaga. Takua then guided Toa Pohatu, who had been temporarily blinded by the Nui-Jaga, to knock down the pillars that held up the roof of the cave. After being rescued from the cave, Takua returned to Po-Koro, where the grateful Turaga Onewa gave him a small stone chisel he was to show Turaga Nokama. Upon seeing the chisel, Turaga Nokama appointed him Chronicler and gave him a device known as a Book of Chronicles, with which he could chronicle the events he witnessed. For some reason, Takua had a knack -- some would say ill luck -- for being present when important things occurred. Takua continued his journeys, next traveling through Onu-Koro. A lava flow had cut off access to the Lightstone mine, preventing the workers from being able to finish the tunnel to Le Wahi. After recovering his old Lavaboard from Ta-Koro, Takua crossed the lava flow and repaired the lava pump, allowing the Matoran to mine more Lightstones. Also while in Onu-Koro, Takua learned of a mysterious layer that had been uncovered deep in the Great Mine. Traveling down there, he found a massive Sundial. Once the Le-Koro tunnel was completed, Takua decided to accompany Taipu to visit Le-Koro. While traveling through the jungle, Taipu was carried off by a wild Nui-Rama. Upon arriving in Le-Koro, Takua learned from Kongu that Matau and many of the Le-Matoran had also been kidnapped by Nui-Rama as well, and that Toa Lewa was missing. Their talk was cut short by a swarm of Nui-Rama, and Takua agreed to second for Kongu riding a Kahu. After a few rough starts, Takua was able to master Disk throwing well enough to protect the Kahu from the attacking swarm, but upon arrival at the Nui-Rama Hive, they were knocked from the air. Within the hive, Takua discovered that Toa Lewa had accidentally put on an Infected Mask, and witnessed Onua fighting Lewa and removing his mask. When they arrived back at Le-Koro, he joined in the celebration of the Le-Matoran victory before moving on. The final village that Takua visited was Ko-Koro. There, after rescuing an almost-frozen Kopeke with a Heatstone, he found that Matoro had gone out into the drifts in a blizzard. Following Matoro, Takua succumbed to the cold and had a vision about the Bohrok and was found by Matoro. After awakening, the two Matoran were attacked by a Muaka, and witnessed Kopaka defeating the beast. Matoro translated for Nuju and gave Takua the mission to take on Matoran from each village to guard the Kini-Nui while the Toa fought Teridax. Takua gathered Kapura, Macku, Hafu, Taipu, Tamaru, and Kopeke; all Matoran he had met on his journey. Arriving at Kini-Nui, Takua witnessed the Toa fuse the Makoki Stones and enter the underground. The seven Matoran fought away the Rahi while Takua received visions of the Toa Kaita from Gali. Just when the Rahi were about to defeat them, reinforcements arrived from all the six villages, driving away the Rahi. Takua's last vision from Gali was that of them about to enter Mangaia, Teridax's lair. At the Kini-Nui, Onepu, who led the Ussalry from Onu-Koro, told Takua that something strange had happened in the underground village. Takua hurried back to Onu-Koro, where he found that the strange sundial had become an elevator. Entering the underground, he found the Toa and watched them defeat Teridax. Unintentionally left behind, he also saw the awakening of the first of the Bohrok. Luckily, he found that the Chisel Turaga Onewa had given him generated an energy bubble that brought him back to the Ta-Wahi Beach. Vakama was there waiting for him, and told him that because of his bravery and selflessness, he was now welcome back in Ta-Koro.

The Bohrok Swarms
Takua continued his work as Chronicler during the many more adventures he had as a Matoran throughout the war with the Bohrok. He helped liberate Le-Koro, whose entire population was controlled by the Krana. After that, he traveled to Ga-Koro with Jaller, which soon came under attack from the Pahrak. They brought Nuparu and several of his Boxors with them for the defense of the village, though the machines were not very successful. Later, after the Pahrak had been driven off, they launched a surprise attack. Takua and Jaller were cut off from the rest of the Matoran when the Pahrak demolished several of the pathways between Ga-Koro's lily pads. However, Takua came up with a makeshift catapult, which he used to launch himself between the Bohrok and the Matoran. Fortunately, it was at this time that the Toa Nuva imprisoned the Bahrag in Protodermis, stopping the Pahrak, as well as all the Bohrok on the island. After the defeat of the swarms, Jaller and Takua helped in the collection of Krana in pits in Ga-Wahi. They later returned to Ta-Koro and witnessed the theft of Tahu's Nuva Symbol. During the struggle with the Bohrok-Kal, Takua and Jaller briefly traveled with the Toa Nuva as they went to defeat the Bohrok-Kal. After the Kal's defeat, the Turaga held a Naming Day Ceremony for the Matoran who had helped defeat the Bohrok. While Macku, Jaller, and Hewkii's names changed, Takua's name remained the same. The Turaga announced the Wall of History, and Takua's "honor" was to write the wall. Upset that all he received was a writing job, he held his own personal Naming Day Ceremony, where he renamed his pet Ussal Puku to Pewku. The Turaga also announced a great Kolhii Tournament to celebrate the new peace. Turaga Vakama chose Takua to represent Ta-Koro as the team's forward, and soon Takua again became the epicenter of an island-changing series of events.

The Quest For The Seventh Toa
Takua, shortly before the Kolhii Championship, discovered the Kanohi Avohkii, Mask of Light, in an underground cavern in Ta-Wahi. He was nearly killed by a lava surge, but was saved by Tahu at the last minute. At the Kolhii Championship, which Takua's adventuring had made him and Jaller late for, the Ga-Matoran won, much to the mortification of the Ta-Matoran. As the tournament concluded, the Avohkii fell out from Jaller's bag where it had been stowed. The Avohkii shone on Takua to indicate he was the one chosen to find the 7th Toa, however Takua tilted it to shine on Jaller, his best friend, instead. Turaga Vakama charged Jaller with the quest, but Jaller convinced Takua to come with him. The two soon departed with Pewku on their trip to search for the seventh Toa. Almost immediately, three of Teridax's Rahkshi began pursuing them, as they traveled through Mata Nui. These Rahkshi were temporarily defeated by Kopaka. Later, Jaller and Takua got separated in an Onu-Koro tunnel while Takua was messing around with some luminescent plants. While trying to find Jaller, Takua was confronted by Teridax who spoke through the shadows. Teridax attempted to frighten Takua into giving him the mask, saying that Takua would never find the seventh Toa and Jaller would die. Takua refused and ran away, stumbling into Jaller. Shaken by his encounter with Teridax, Takua abandoned the quest and took Pewku, leaving Jaller alone. After an conflict between three new Rahkshi and the Toa Nuva in Onu-Koro, in which the village was destroyed, Takua and Pewku rejoined Jaller. Continuing on, the three ended up at Kini-Nui. The six Rahkshi, however, appeared as well. Fortunately the Toa Nuva arrived to face them. In a final showdown, while the several of the Rahkshi were defeated by the Toa Nuva, a Turahk took the life of Jaller. In his dying breath, Jaller handed Takua the Mask of Light and told him the truth he had seen about Takua's identity. Takua placed the mask on his face, and was transformed into Takanuva, the Toa of Light.

Takanuva
Shortly after transforming, Takanuva helped defeat the remaining Rahkshi. With the assistance of the Toa Nuva, he built a vehicle called the Ussanui, from Rahkshi and Bohrok-Kal parts, powered by a Kraata. The Kraata returned to Teridax, leading Takanuva to Mangaia. The Ussanui was wrecked when Takanuva used it to break through the door to the lair. It was then that Hahli emerged from the wreckage of the Ussanui and volunteered to be the Chronicler now that Takua was a Toa. Takanuva accepted, sending her up to the surface to summon the Matoran. There, Takanuva fought Teridax, who challenged Takanuva to a game of Kolhii. Light and Shadow clashed, until Hahli returned with the Matoran, Toa Nuva and the Turaga. Teridax then brought down the gate, sealing them all in his lair. It was at that moment that Takanuva succeeded in bringing down Teridax, winning the Kolhii match. The Makuta rose, and stated that he was protecting the Great Spirit Mata Nui, and had a duty to the Mask of Shadows. Takanuva then tried to pull off Teridax's mask, but he resisted, and both Takanuva and Teridax fell into a pool of Energized Protodermis. Out of that pool emerged Takutanuva.

Takutanuva
Takanuva's powers illuminated Mata Nui's true destiny, which was hidden by Teridax with the powers of his mask. As Teridax was maskless when he fell in the Protodermis, he could not hide it any longer. He lifted the huge gate carved in the shape of a Kanohi Hau Mask of Shielding, which opened to Metru Nui. He stopped Hahli, running past with Jaller's mask, and used some of Teridax's life energy to bring Jaller back from the dead. Exhausted from bringing Jaller back, the gate then fell and crushed Takutanuva, separating them. Takanuva was killed, his mask sliding out the other side. The Turaga managed to bring him back only moments later. As for Teridax, he became the substance later called Antidermis by the Piraka.

Return to Metru Nui
Upon arriving at Metru Nui, Takanuva helped the reconstruction work of Metru Nui and guarded the Matoran of Metru Nui. Although he wanted to go with the Toa Nuva to Voya Nui, Turaga Dume insisted that it is Takanuva's destiny to defend Metru Nui and guard the Matoran. Takanuva then accompanied Jaller and the other Matoran on their way to Voya Nui, traveling through an Underwater Chute and the Tunnel of Darkness. But, at an archway that marked the gate to Karzahni's realm, he could not continue, as the archway banished the very force of Light, so he was forced to turn back to Metru Nui after an emotional goodbye. He later spotted Makuta Icarax diving into the Silver Sea around Metru Nui. The Makuta emerged carrying the Kanohi Kraahkan, but escaped before Takanuva could reach the spot where he was. Several Frostelus also made attempts to invade the city, with Takanuva managing to successfully repel them.

Shadow Leech Attack
Whilst patrolling Metru Nui, Takanuva felt a dark presence trying to invade his mind. Pushing back, he managed to locate the source: a Dark Hunter by the name of Dweller, who was hiding in the Archives. As he was rushing towards the Archives, however, a Shadow Leech dropped by Makuta Icarax jumped onto him and slowly started sucking out his Light. As a being of Light, the prospect of having his Light being drained away was agonizing. Bearing the pain, Takanuva concentrated a Light beam on the leech, incinerating it. When the Toa of Light awoke, he found himself in the dead Rahi specimen examination room in the Archives; part of his Light had already been sucked out, granting him dual control over Light and Shadow. In the room, he met Helryx and Krakua. Helryx quickly informed him of the Order of Mata Nui, and told him that he needed to help the Toa Nuva. After a brief scowling from Helryx, Krakua placed a Kratana on Takanuva's mask and he was flushed with recollections of the Toa Mata's past. After the vision ended, Helryx told him that his mission was to inform the Toa Nuva that, if they succeed in awakening Mata Nui, the Energy Storms which devastated Karda Nui when Mata Nui first awoke and took over for Tren Krom would be unleashed once more, destroying everything in its path except the Codrex. Helryx told him that he had to go to Karda Nui and inform the Toa of the situation, and that they must take refuge in the Codrex. Takanuva agreed to go and help those he looked up to. However, he was uncertain as to who would help the Toa Mahri whilst he was gone. Helryx introduced him to Brutaka, who had captured Dweller. Despite that, Takanuva was shocked and angered that such a traitor would be asked to protect the city alongside the Toa Mahri. After a few tense moments between Helryx and Takanuva, Krakua tried to break up the tension by informing him that Brutaka's Kanohi Olmak would be his means of transport to Karda Nui. Takanuva inspected the hairline cracks on the Olmak, wondering why it was still capable of functioning. He noted to Helryx that she was insane to trust Brutaka, and she replied that to be a Toa, you have to be insane. She then extended a hand to Takanuva, who shook it, and Krakua handed him the Great Sundial. Brutaka then sent Takanuva to Karda Nui through his Olmak, although it was damaged and was not functioning properly.

The Journey of Takanuva
As a result of the damage to the Olmak, Takanuva was instead transported to a pocket dimension where he found himself surrounded by a forest full of black trees and dying grass. Suddenly, he encountered a Spectral Mask floating in the air. It informed him of a village that was in terrible trouble, and the Toa of Light ran to save it before the mask finished talking. When Takanuva arrived at the "village", he was surprised to find out that it was a huge city full of silver towers. Inside the city, he encountered a race of Purple and Black Entities. These beings were in combat with a huge creature resembling an Archives Mole, and Takanuva, believing the creature to be the source of the commotion and danger, attacked the beast, which fled. However, instead of thanking him, the small beings began laughing at him and locked him outside of the city. Takanuva then went back to search for the mask, which told him of his mistake, and how it had tried to tell him the entire situation beforehand. Takanuva then found out that the creatures were actually gentle and kind, and the one he chased away was the last of its kind residing in the city which had been taken by the small beings. Takanuva then searched for the beast to convince it to trust him, in which he succeeded, and developed a plan. Takanuva created a fireworks show to distract the small beings while the beast returned to its former home. After he was finished, he returned to the Spectral Mask, who congratulated him on his new-earned wisdom of not to judge good and evil on appearances but their deeds instead, and opened a new dimensional gate. Through the gate, he departed for Karda Nui once more, but ended up in yet another alternate dimension.

The Kingdom
Upon leaving the City of Silver Pocket Dimension, Takanuva was transported to an alternate universe, one where beings of all species were living together. Takanuva first met Macku and told her who he was, but she did not believe him. She then took him to Axonn, who deemed Takanuva trustworthy, but he took his Staff of Light as a precaution. Takanuva then went to see Jaller and attempt to discern what was going on. He learned that he was on the Isle of Mata Nui, despite it being a city immensely larger than the old Metru Nui. Jaller directed him to a Wall of History that told of how Matoro had failed to use the Ignika and Mata Nui died - ten-thousand years beforehand. He learned that Metru Nui's Turaga had expected such an outcome and gathered together many of the Matoran Universe's species, and, with help from the Order of Mata Nui, migrated to the surface for safety. Then, the Order and the alternate Takanuva kept the Makuta at bay to prevent their migrating as well. The alternate Takanuva then created Light barriers designed to keep beings of Shadow out. His destiny fulfilled, Takanuva used his Toa Power to create six new Toa: Kapura, Balta, Dalu, Velika, Defilak, and Tanma. He was then transformed into a Turaga Nuva and made leader of the new "Kingdom of the Great Spirit". He ruled the Kingdom with the help of the ruling council, made up of Turaga Dume, Nektann, Roodaka, "The Shadowed One", Helryx, and a Nynrah Ghost. Toa Takanuva then traveled to the city's Coliseum to speak with his alternate self. Upon arriving, however, he instead sent a message to Helryx, saying in it her original plan about what Takanuva was to do in Karda Nui. He was then escorted to Turaga Takanuva's chambers, who had figured out that the Toa was his former self. He then asked Toa Takanuva to help find a way to fix the Light barriers keeping the Rahkshi and Makuta out of the Kingdom before they would find a way to return him to his own universe. Turaga Takanuva took his Toa counterpart, along with Tanma, to meet a Fe-Matoran Nynrah Ghost who armed him with a Power Lance and a Midak Skyblaster. Takanuva and Tanma then departed, with Tanma wanting to head towards the nearest Light barrier. However, Takanuva instead insisted on visiting Matoro first. Takanuva managed to convince Matoro to accompany them by telling him that it was a chance to be seen as a hero again. The trio went to the abandoned Bohrok tunnels under Po-Wahi to investigate the Light barriers there. Finding nothing wrong, Takanuva and Tanma started to leave, but then heard the sound of ice blasts behind them. They turned to find Matoro confronting four Rahkshi on his own. More Rahkshi were passing through the barrier, garbed in Shadow armor that permitted them to cross the barrier unharmed. After defeating the Rahkshi, Teridax emerged from the tunnel. Teridax had driven Icarax from his armor and possessed it, then went on to absorb all of the other Makuta into his essence, becoming a monstrous behemoth. Takanuva managed to knock Teridax's mask off, and Tanma destroyed it, only to be caught by Teridax and disintegrated. He then created a Shadow hand to absorb Matoro, and Takanuva attempted to stop him, but was stopped himself by Matoro. As Matoro was absorbed, Teridax's will was overpowered and Matoro killed him from the inside, sacrificing himself in the process. Takanuva returned to the surface and told the ruling council about the fight. He stayed long enough to see a statue made in honor of Matoro, then had the alternate Brutaka use his Olmak so Takanuva could resume his journey to Karda Nui.

Dark Mirror
Once he reached the Toa Empire Alternate Universe, Takanuva encountered Kapura, who thought Takanuva was going to punish him for being in his way. The Matoran was later frozen by Toa Mata Kopaka, who froze Takanuva in turn, and told the Toa of Light that he has committed a crime. Takanuva was then dragged off to the Coliseum, where he met his former form, Takua, in a prison cell with him. Stunned, the Toa sliced off the chains which bound Takua to the wall. He then questioned Takua as to what was happening with Metru Nui, and Takua replied, telling him the events of Nidhiki's defection and how Tuyet received great power from the Nui Stone. Takanuva then took off his Kanohi Avohkii and attempted to put it on Takua to see if he would become a Toa of Light, but his attempt failed. Takanuva then told the Matoran to come with him to the Archives and see if Turaga Vakama's stories of what was down there were correct. In the Archives, Takanuva was shocked to discover they were trophy rooms. He also found Turaga Dume, trapped in a stasis tube. He freed the Turaga and asked him to help searching for Krahka, but then Toa Tuyet, empress of the Toa Empire, came to confront Takanuva. After journeying down to the Archives by Tuyet, it was revealed to the company that Tuyet was actually Teridax who had shape-shifted into her form. Teridax then questioned Takanuva with the company of Krika and Kojol, and Takanuva told the Makuta that he was a Toa of Light. Takanuva then attempted to ask for help in order to return his universe, and the Makuta arrived that if Takanuva retrieves the Vahi from Matoran Jaller, he would help him find Brutaka. Takanuva then set off to find the Matoran Jaller. However, he was told that traveling by sea would cause him to be too late to intercept the company. As a result, Makuta Krika gave Takanuva a type of virus which allowed him the power of flight for a limited time. Takanuva then flew off to the Isle of Karzahni to intercept Jaller, who he found to be accompanied by Toa Hagah Kualus and Bomonga, along with Pewku. After successfully lying to the two Toa, Takanuva managed to be able to join their company. However, when questioned as to who is threatening to steal the Vahi, Takanuva lied once more and claimed it to be Brutaka, but then discovered that Bomonga had already killed Brutaka. Takanuva was then told that Brutaka's mask and tools were held in the Coliseum. He then met Lesovikk, who defeated Bomonga and Kualus with the Toa's Air powers. Lesovikk took Takanuva to Metru Nui, where he was introduced to the rebel group led by Toa Pohatu. After Takanuva's arrival, the group attacked the Coliseum. In the beginning of the assault, Takanuva blinded the guards with his Shadow powers. For much of the fight, he simply watched the battles raging around him, even witnessing his past self killed by a Toa of Iron. Later on, he joined Darkness in sneaking in to the Coliseum through cracks in the wall. Once inside, Darkness was swept away by rushing water and Takanuva was confronted by Tuyet, who had figured out that Takanuva was not from their universe. Takanuva and Tuyet then battled against each other, with Takanuva's attacks counteracted by those of Tuyet's. As Tuyet prepared to finish him off, the pair noticed from a hole in the Coliseum wall that the Matoran and other races had joined the rebellion as well. Takanuva managed to convince Tuyet to open up a portal using the Olmak and go to another dimension where she could start anew. However, as Tuyet prepared to step into the portal, Takanuva ripped the mask off Tuyet's face and entered the portal himself. Angered, Tuyet followed by grabbing onto Takanuva's leg. During the brief struggle, the Olmak was lost in "The Void". The portal generated by the Olmak closed, cutting Tuyet, whose upper body was in the portal when it closed, in half and instantly killing her. Takanuva turned away from the remains of the Toa of Water and continued his journey to Karda Nui, wondering what will happen to the Toa Empire now that Tuyet is gone, and whether he would ever be able to return and find out.

Karda Nui
Takanuva then emerged from a portal in the western portion of the Swamp of Secrets. Upon his arrival, he saw Gali fighting against Krika. Takanuva used his powers of Light to drive Krika off, who then vanished into the mists. After a brief conversation concerning how Takanuva had reached Karda Nui and his newly increased size, he and Gali then went to find the other Toa Nuva, to warn them of the danger they were in. Takanuva set the sundial down and shone light on it to determine the direction he had to go. As the shadow fell to the east, he chose to go in that direction. Takanuva then explained to Gali that the sundial pointed in the direction of the location from where Mata Nui must be awakened. Before he could continue, an orange being appeared heading towards them, which Takanuva did not recognize. The Toa of Light prepared to attack, urged on by the dark side of his mind, until Gali stopped him - the new arrival was Pohatu. After filling Takanuva in on recent events, they then began flying towards the east, to where the other Toa Nuva were. During their conversations, Takanuva realized that he was once an Av-Matoran, and became determined to find a cure for the Shadow Matoran. Soon, the three Toa spotted a group of Niazesk in the swamp, which then attacked them. Pohatu and Gali only managed to take one Niazesk down before Takanuva decided to assist them. He raised his Power Lance to fire a burst of Light, but then decided it might not be powerful enough, so he raised his right arm, readying a blast of Shadow. The blast defeated the Niazesk, but it caused Pohatu to think that Takanuva was Teridax in disguise. Stunned by the accusation, Takanuva attempted to convince Pohatu by citing the first words the Toa of Stone said when he first awoke on Daxia many millennia ago. Pohatu did not believe him, as he could not recall the incident, and Takanuva was not even present at the time he uttered those words. Finally, Takanuva suggested that Gali use the mental link she used when the Toa Mata descended into Mangaia to confront Teridax and to relay the events for him to chronicle. Gali did this, and learned of Takanuva's adventures in the Toa Empire and Kingdom. She acknowledged that it was Takanuva, and Pohatu then revealed the situation of Karda Nui to him. He later joined the Toa Nuva in a battle against the eight Makuta in the swamp, who all fled. Tahu then showed him the Keystone, and was about to read it when the Toa Ignika, who had just learned to speak, arrived and warned them of the countdown. Takanuva then informed the assembled Toa of the Energy Storms as well. After a battle between the Toa and the Makuta, the Toa Nuva entered the Codrex, along with Takanuva and the Toa Ignika. Takanuva witnessed the discovery of the vehicles and the theft of Jetrax T6. Angered at the actions of the Makuta, Takanuva grew to believe that it was his destiny to destroy all the Makuta, and left the Codrex to do so. He followed Kopaka, who was pursuing the Jetrax T6, out of the Codrex. Kopaka encountered Radiak, and was combating the Matoran when Takanuva offered to help. As Kopaka left, Radiak insulted Takanuva, calling him a "Toa of Twilight". Though angered, Takanuva realized that the Matoran needed to be cured, and enlisted Tanma, Solek, and Photok to help him. He was thinking of a way to help the Matoran when Photok alerted him to the presence of Vican. The newcomer claimed to know a way to save the victims of the Shadow Leeches, having been cured himself. He then went with Vican, and witnessed Radiak become an Av-Matoran again. Takanuva next sent the Matoran to gather up all of the Matoran in Karda Nui. Immediately afterward, Takanuva was attacked by Chirox and Bitil, the latter leading past selves summoned with his Kanohi Mohtrek. Wild with fury, Takanuva pierced Chirox's armor using a beam of Light, and attacking Chirox at such ferocity that the Makuta could not respond. In his anger, he forgot about Bitil and was almost defeated by one of Bitil's duplicates. Luckily, Bitil was struck by Kopaka piloting the Jetrax T6, causing the Makuta's concentration to shatter and thus stopping his mask from working. Takanuva attempted to kill the fleeing Makuta, but was stopped by the Toa of Ice. He informed Kopaka that the Makuta intended to awaken Mata Nui, and Kopaka went to inform the others. Takanuva then tracked down the last Shadow Matoran, Gavla. He directed the female Matoran at the Klakk, whose attack allowed Light to begin returning to both of them. Seeing this, Takanuva sent Gavla, to the Matoran's displeasure, away with her fellow Av-Matoran, who were departing through the western portal of Karda Nui, and rejoined the Toa Nuva. They escaped the Energy Storms and were welcomed back into Metru Nui. Upon a celebration of Mata Nui however, the stars aligned to form a Kraahkan and Teridax proclaimed his rule over the universe and the banishment of Mata Nui and the Ignika.

Teridax's Reign
Some time later, Takanuva and the other Toa Nuva fled into the Archives, fleeing from Rahkshi. Soon they regrouped in a deep underground chamber, where the Turaga and Matoran hid as well. The Turaga found the Krahka, who allied with them, and revealed the locations of underground passageways through which they can escape Metru Nui and contact other Toa in other lands. Tahu then came up with a plan, which was that all the Toa would split up and wreak havoc around the Matoran Universe, thus distracting Teridax. The Toa then met Trinuma on Stelt, who informed them of Daxia's destruction and that only a few members of the Order managed to survive. Partnered with Pohatu, Takanuva then proceeded to Destral, where they saw the ruins of the island and the armor of the dead Makuta. While Pohatu searched for weaponry, Takanuva went looking for Destral's teleportation device, in the hopes of using it to contact another universe and seek help, or, better yet, a way to soundly defeat Teridax. He later found the device, and requested for Nuparu to assist in learning how it worked. Takanuva's intentions were to travel to different dimensions and seek help for their struggle against Makuta Teridax.

Shadow Takanuva
Makuta Tridax, using a Kanohi Olmak, traveled to almost a hundred alternate universes and captured a Takanuva from each universe. He then stored the Takanuva in Stasis Tubes in a chamber below Destral and drained their Light using Shadow Leeches. Some of these became Toa of Shadow, while the process did not finish for others. Makuta Tridax planned to assemble an army from these Toa of Shadow. After Tridax was killed, Vezon contemplated about assembling the Toa into an army. Following Destral's destruction, a single Shadow Takanuva awoke and began contemplating destroying the world.

Brothers In Arms
In The Melding Alternate Universe where Mata Nui was never built, Takua had never renamed himself Takanuva. Toa Macku considered him to be the best at telling the story of about "The Melding".

Abilities & Traits
Takua was always adventurous and very curious, which often led him into trouble. He often helped those who needed it, and was eager to accomplish any task. As an Av-Matoran, Takua had the potential to harness minuscule amounts of Light energy and disguise his outward appearance. However, as he believed that he was a Ta-Matoran, he could not use any of these powers, and remained under the guise of a Ta-Matoran. As a Toa, Takanuva controls Light, and wears the Avohkii, Mask of Light. He can create lasers, beams of Light, and is experimenting with increased speed in a similar fashion to Umbra and Photok, as well as developing solid Light projections. Takanuva can also change his appearance and colors by bending Light. After being exposed to a virus crafted by Makuta Krika from the Toa Empire Alternate Universe, he could fly, although the effect was only temporary. It has since worn off. Furthermore, because he was a Matoran of Light, Takanuva has the potential to access all of the Av-Matoran's special Light-based powers, but only after intense training. Takanuva was uncomfortable with being a Toa, preferring to spend time with his Matoran friends. However, he is willing to step up and claim the responsibility of a Toa, and has devoted himself to the cause, studying hard under the tutelage of the Toa Nuva. After having his Light partially drained, Takanuva controlled Light and Shadow, with the ability to fire Light from his left hand and Shadow from his right hand. A side-effect of the attack was that Takanuva had dark urges which grew increasingly harder to resist. After being cured by the Klakk, however, these effects have been removed, and Takanuva fully commands the abilities of Light once more and has lost the power of Shadow. Upon being exposed to the energy of Karda Nui, Takanuva was enlarged in size and granted an increase in strength. Upon returning to Metru Nui, his size was reduced to normal, and now, with the exception of his new weapons, looks exactly as he did prior to his Shadow Leech attack.

Mask & Tools
Takanuva wears the Kanohi Avohkii, the Great Mask of Light. It is said to create Light in darkness and to bring friendship and understanding to enemies. His former Toa Tool, the Staff of Light, could channel his Light energy in a beam and could scoop up balls of Light, as well as giving an advantage in Kolhii. When Takanuva entered The Kingdom Alternate Universe, his Staff of Light was taken from him because weapons were not permitted inside the "Kingdom of the Great Spirit". He was later given a Power Lance and a Midak Skyblaster by a Nynrah Ghost. The Power Lance acts differently than most Toa Tools, as it can amplify elemental power in addition to channeling it.

Set Information
Takua as a Matoran has only been officially released once, as part of the "Takua & Pewku" set of 2003. The large boxed set depicts his form following The Rebuilding. Takua wields a Kolhii Stick and Kolhii Ball in this set. Also released as a large boxed set of 2003, the "Takanuva" set came with his vehicle, the Ussanui. Spinning a gear on Takanuva's back causes the set to swing its right arm. This set includes exclusive gold Nuva armor as well as the Staff of Light that could be attached to his back for storage and two Kanohi Avohkii: one gold, for Takanuva, and one clear with gold speckles, representing the mask in use. "Takanuva" was released yet again in summer 2008, again as a large boxed set. This set depicts his form following his partial Light drain, enhanced in size by the energies of Karda Nui. He wears a new form of the Kanohi Avohkii and wields his Power Lance and Midak Skyblaster. The set contains 267 pieces.

Quotes
"Yes, work. You know, that thing you do all day? That thing Takua is apparently allergic to?"

- Jaller to Vakama, Time Trap

"Oh, Takua, he's got more rocks in his head than a Po-Matoran."

- Jaller, Mask of Light

"You have finally found your own story ... and still you seek answers."

- Vakama, Mask of Light

"One day, your power will be all that stands between us and the darkness ..."

- Vakama, Island of Doom "What's white and gold and can't keep a secret to save his life?"

- Jaller, Island of Doom "In over 100,000 years, the Order has revealed its existence to very few, and then only in a time of great need. This is such a time--and we have need of a unique Toa, one who walks the world of both light and shadow."

- Helryx, Swamp of Secrets

"You'll be hearing my name someday, whenever people talk about heroes - Takua!"

- Takua to Gali, Swamp of Secrets

"He is. Darker, perhaps, and not quite the innocent Takua or the eager hero we remember ... but he is our friend."

- Gali, Takanuva's Blog

"But I'm not my "kind", not anymore - your shadow leeches saw to that. I'm half Toa of Light, half Toa of Shadow. This was what you wanted, wasn't it? Toa consumed by darkness, Toa not hampered by things like mercy or morality. Well, now you can choke on it."

- Takanuva to Chirox, The Final Battle

Trivia

 * Jason Michas voiced Takua/Takanuva in Mask of Light.
 * Takanuva is the only Toa of Light in the Matoran Universe.
 * Takanuva's Power Lance, Midak Skyblaster, and increased size in The Journey of Takanuva were simply acts of artistic license. Despite not having actually obtained the weapons or changed in size, the character depicted in the book needed to resemble the set, and thus those features were included.
 * Contrary to popular belief, Takanuva is not on the same power level as that of a Toa Nuva, nor is he a part of the Toa Nuva Toa Team, although he is considered an honorary member.
 * Alongside Jaller, Takua was the first Matoran to be rebuilt.

Appearances

 * Comic 17: Disks of Danger
 * BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui (Mentioned Only)
 * BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui
 * BIONICLE Adventures 10: Time Trap (Mentioned Only)
 * Wall of History (BIONICLE.com) (As Writer)
 * BIONICLE: Mask of Light
 * BIONICLE: Mask of Light (Book)
 * Comic 13: Rise of the Rahkshi! (Mentioned Only)
 * Comic 14: At Last -- Takanuva! (First Appearance as Takanuva)
 * Comic 15: Secrets and Shadows
 * BIONICLE 3: Web of Shadows
 * BIONICLE Legends 1: Island of Doom
 * BIONICLE Legends 2: Dark Destiny
 * BIONICLE Legends 5: Inferno (Mentioned Only)
 * BIONICLE Legends 7: Prisoners of the Pit (Mentioned Only)
 * BIONICLE Legends 10: Swamp of Secrets
 * The Journey of Takanuva
 * The Kingdom
 * Dark Mirror
 * Destiny War (Alternate Takanuva Only)
 * Brothers In Arms (Mentioned Only)
 * Dwellers In Darkness (Mentioned Only)
 * Takanuva's Blog
 * Comic 13: Swamp of Shadows
 * Comic 14: Endgame
 * Comic 15: Mata Nui Rising
 * BIONICLE Legends 11: The Final Battle
 * Reign of Shadows (In an Alternate Dimension; Mentioned Only)
 * The Official Guide to BIONICLE
 * BIONICLE: Metru Nui - City of Legends (Mentioned Only)
 * BIONICLE Encyclopedia: Updated
 * BIONICLE: Makuta's Guide to the Universe (Mentioned Only)
 * BIONICLE: Quest for the Toa (First Appearance)
 * Mata Nui Online Game
 * Bohrok Online Animations
 * Bohrok-Kal Online Animations
 * Mata Nui Online Game II: The Final Chronicle
 * Mata Nui Explorer (2003)
 * Mata Nui Explorer (Movie)
 * BIONICLE: The Game (Non-Canonical Appearance)
 * BIONICLE: Mask of Light (Game) (Non-canonical Appearance)
 * BIONICLE: Mistika (Non-canonical Appearance)