CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: THE GUARDIAN OF PO-ARA

Kopaka ran toward the massive behemoth, changing to his Pakari as he ran. He built up power in the arm carrying Gali's axe, swinging it full force as the Stone Guardian brought its hand toward him.

He shattered right through the massive hand, leaving the Stone Guardian to nurse the loss of an appendage. He sank the axe into the beast's torso, ripping it out to leave a gaping wound. The Guardian roared, swinging his remaining hand at Kopaka.

The hand, however, was deflected by an aura of light coming from Kopaka's chest. The familiar wings burst from his back, and the icicles grew from his arms. He crouched down, dodging a second swing, and then leaped into the air and brought himself level with the Guardian's face.

The powerful wings beat fiercely, keeping Vilak-Kopaka in the air as he hovered there. He drew the axe Gali had loaned him, flying in and swinging it full force toward the golem's head.

It bit deep into the stone that made up the head, gouging a deep gash in the cheek. Vilak twisted the axe, ripping it free and swinging it again; this time aiming for the eyes. It was a direct hit, and the stone eye fell from its socket, landing in the dust with a thud. Gali noticed something gleaming in the eye, and dashed forward to retrieve it.

It was a small crystal, triangular in shape, and about the size of a knife blade. It shone with the seven colors of the rainbow, and she was momentarily transfixed by it. The guardian let out a roar as Vilak leaped away from it, allowing it to crash, unimpeded, to the ground. It was dead.

"I'll take that," said Kopaka, returning to his original state, "And here's your axe back. Thank you."

He began to walk toward the mountains, Gali on his heels. "Kopaka… why did Vilak appear there… you could have defeated that golem… right?"

Kopaka shrugged, "I don't know. That was why I needed your axe – something was required to split that stone. Unfortunately, my power wasn't enough. Vilak, it seems, was needed."

Gali nodded, "Oh…"

Kopaka led her through a rocky mountain pass, bringing them close to Onu-Ara. He lifted another piece of the tablet, consulted it for a moment, and then began to climb a sheer rock face.

"Damn it!" he cursed, sliding back down, "Stupid wall!"

Gali snorted in mild amusement, causing him to turn around. "What?"

She shook her head, "Nothing. Come on, grab my shoulders."

Kopaka stared incredulously at her, "Eh… what?"

She sank her axes into the cliff face, "Climb on my back."

Comprehending her scheme, he latched himself onto her back like a parasite, closing his eyes as she began to use her Pakari to haul them both up the rock wall.

Meanwhile, Kopaka was uncomfortable with the arrangement. He was NOT one for physical contact, and here he was, receiving a piggy-back ride from the one person he loved. Oh for shame…

She heaved them up to the top of the rise, panting slightly with exertion. He quickly dismounted, trying to keep his 'I-don't-feel-anything' demeanor intact. "Next time, I'll haul us up with the axes."

She nodded in agreement, pointing toward another cliff, "You'll get your chance, Kopaka, now let's just rest for a moment."