CHAPTER SIX: REPERCUSSIONS

Kopaka limped back toward Ko-Koro, angry with himself that Gali had seen him weak. The only thing to stop his slow walk home was a Nui-Rama, which he dispatched mercilessly to alleviate some of his anger. Despite Gali's healing effects, his leg still felt broken in at least three places. He'd seek attention back in Ko-Koro.

Of course, getting to Ko-Koro once he reached the slopes of Mount Ihu was easier said than done. With his leg injured, it took him most of the night to climb even halfway. He had climbed for at least twenty hours just to take a route that took him about ten minutes. He made a mental note to kill Tahu later.

He limped into Ko-Koro that morning, and Matoro instantly noticed his pronounced injury, and hurried over to help.

"Toa Kopaka," he cried, standing in front of his Guardian, "What happened? Was it the Rahi?"

Kopaka shook his head, "Tahu."

Matoro's hands flew to his mouth in shock, "A brother Toa attacked you? Why? Where?"

Kopaka knelt down, even though it sent shots of pain up his leg, and put his hand on Matoro's shoulder. "Please just tell me who can look at this, alright? I'll deal with Tahu."

Matoro nodded, "Akhori is a medicine woman," he said, gesturing toward an igloo, "She ought to be able to help you."

Kopaka stood and limped off, thanking Matoro as he did. "Do me a favor, by the way, and tell Nuju I've returned."

Matoro jogged off toward the Turaga's hut, and Kopaka stiffly knocked on the icy door to Akhori's hut.

She stuck her Miru-clad face out the window before realizing it was the Toa of Ice himself. She quickly opened the door and motioned him inside.

"What can I do for you?" she asked, smiling at Kopaka. He hated the admiration of the Matoran – he was basically just an oversized one of them anyway. Why did they think he was some kind of deity?

"My leg is hurt; I wanted to know if you could take a look at it."

Akhori nodded and motioned for him to sit down on one of the benches in her small abode. She took a small hammer, made of ice, and began tapping his leg. After a few keen observations, she concluded that his leg was, indeed, broken. Kopaka sighed slightly. Of course it is… just my freaking luck…

Akhori had him drink a small bowl of something green and warm before sending him on his way. She made it explicitly clear that he should stay off his leg for at least a week before it would heal fully.

Kopaka could have cared less about his own health, in truth, but he needed to look after the Matoran under his protection. Thus, he agreed to venture forth from his icy abode only if it was necessary.

"I thank you for your help," he said, bowing slightly to Akhori, "I bid you a good day."

"May the winds of the mountain always sing your name," she returned, "Take care, Kopaka."

Kopaka limped over to his ice hut, knocking the door off its hinges after becoming frustrated while trying to balance on one foot and work the know. He hobbled inside, standing the door up as he did.

Stupid Tahu… he snarled, lying down on his bed …stupid Nui-Rama… Stupid Mountain… stupid world…

He fell asleep rather quickly, seeing as he'd been up all night climbing the blizzard-torn peak he called home. That night, Kopaka did what he always did after losing a fight. Since enemies always came back, he replayed the fight to learn their attack patterns.

He now considered Tahu an enemy. A friend does not attack you.