Desert of Danger

Desert of Danger is a book released on April 15, 2009.

Plot
Mata Nui, having recently crashed on Bara Magna, is lost in the middle of the vast desert. Having already encountered a Vorox, he is aware of the potential threats in the desert, and is looking for the nearest village. Metus approaches driving a his Thornatus, and Mata Nui asks for a ride. The two introduce each other, and set off into the wastelands to Vulcanus.

Mata Nui notes the half-buried buildings and ruins in the desert, evidence of the cataclysm that occurred 100,000 years or so ago. As they approach a wide expanse of arid desert, Metus notices tremors in the sand, and realizes that a Sand Bat is about to attack them. Metus turns the vehicle and flees, attempting to escape the winged creature. The Sand Bat eventually catches up with them, and rams their vehicle, knocking it over and slightly damaging it. Metus attempts to right the vehicle, but the Sand Bat attacks again, taking them by surprise. Metus starts to flee toward a cave, though Mata Nui wants to stand and fight instead of hide. He enlists Metus' help in trying to knock the creature's Kanohi off, only to be told by Metus that creatures on Bara Magna do not wear masks.

Mata Nui attempts to figure out a potential weakness in the Sand Bat, and notices that it never remains above ground for very long. He concludes that it is weak to sunlight, and works with Metus to keep the creature in the sun. After the Sand Bat begins to be harmed by the sun's rays, Mata Nui allows it to retreat underground, convinced that the Sand Bat will not bother anyone for a while to come. Metus, despite thinking that Mata Nui was weak and foolish for letting the creature go, agrees to keep a closer eye on him, believing that he could learn some moves from Mata Nui.

Characters

 * Mata Nui
 * Metus
 * Sand Bat