CHAPTER NINE: GALI AWAKENS
Kopaka awoke with a start, forgetting momentarily where he was. "Oh yeah…" he said aloud, "I'm in Ko-Koro… in my home."
He glanced down at the sleeping form of Gali, and noticed she still hadn't awakened. He placed a hand against her cheek, and then put it on her forehead. She was still her normal temperature, so perhaps she had just tired herself out trying to climb the mountain… for whatever reason.
He twirled an icicle between his fingers before flipping it toward the door. It stuck in the wall next to it, quivering slightly. Kopaka shrugged, leaning back in the chair. Truth be told, he was worried sick about Gali. He sighed, shaking his head, and walked over to one of the cabinets on the far wall.
"I need a drink…" he mumbled, pouring himself a glass of Ta-Koronan Ale, and downing it in one gulp. The fiery liquid burned at his insides, but it woke him up nicely. It was the only reason he kept the stuff around – to wake himself up after being out all night. That and he had to admit that the Ta-Koronans could make a very nice beverage – even if their leader was a royal prick.
He poured himself another glass and sat back down next to Gali, watching her chest rise and fall as she breathed. At least that was a good sign. He took another sip of his drink, looking up as there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"
Pohatu entered, and Kopaka looked up in surprise. "Well, what are you doing here, Brother?" he asked, standing up. Pohatu smiled wryly at him. "Lewa said Gali started up the mountain, and then the blizzard hit. I was checking to see if she was alright."
Kopaka gestured with the glass he'd been drinking from. "She's right here. I found her passed out in the Frigid Pass, so I've been trying to play nursemaid here for a while."
Pohatu snickered slightly, "Uh huh, I'll bet."
The frosty Toa shot his brother a look of pure venom before seating himself again. "Can I get you something… a drink perhaps?"
Pohatu held up a hand, "No thanks, I've got to get going. I was just coming to check on Gali. Tahu's been pitching a fit in Ta-Koro when they told him where she'd gone. I'd better go tell-" He was cut off by Kopaka's expression. "Is something wrong?"
"If you tell Tahu she's here, we'll be less one Toa. Do I make myself clear?"
Pohatu audibly gulped, and then remembered Lewa talking about the fight Kopaka and Tahu had gotten into. "I see…"
Pohatu winked at his brother, activating his mask and dashing from Ko-Koro without as much as a backward glance. Kopaka closed the door after him, shaking his head. Pohatu may be intelligent beneath that goofy exterior, but he would always be immature to an extent.
He seated himself, again, and prayed fervently that he wouldn't be interrupted again. For once in his life, his prayers were answered, and nobody came knocking on his door. He poured himself another glass of Ta-Koronan Ale, downing it in a few swigs. Deciding he was finished drinking for now, he put the bottle and glass away, turning his attention to the task at hand.
Gali still hadn't woken up. Something didn't feel right. He walked over and placed a finger against her neck. Finding a pulse, he sighed in relief. He proceeded to hold a piece of ice in front of her mouth, and found it fogged up from her warm breath. She had a pulse, and she was breathing, so what in Mata-Nui's name was keeping her asleep.
Just as he pondered this, Gali stirred. "Good Morning, Kopaka…" she said, her yellow eyes opening and settling on him, "How are you?"