Edit: 08/05/2014

'italics'=thoughts or emphasis

Chapter 3

(Chapter Sources: Bionicle Comic #1; Tale of the Toa by C.A. Hapka)

For Kopaka, going back down the mountain was as easy as coming up, but the bulky Toa of Stone was having more problems coming down. At least his fellow Toa's clumsiness gave him a better reason to slow down than just avoiding other bothersome beings. Kopaka pondered what these other Toa would be like. He had felt a vague tug on his mind when he first saw Pohatu, and he felt the same when he saw the four on the ground. Who were they? Who was he?

As a roar broke his musings, Kopaka began to regret wishing to dawdle. Unnecessary conflict was wasteful.

"Uh-oh," Pohatu murmured. "I don't like the sound of that."

The sound of crunching snow came nearer and a snow bank not too far away from them exploded, showering the two Toa in snow and ice. Kopaka saw a large, snorting beast with two deadly looking horns on either side of its head and two infected Masks on its shoulders

"Is this what you were leading us towards?" Pohatu yelled accusingly over the noise of the mini avalanche. The Rahi's red eyes glowed with malice and hatred and it pawed at the snowy ground, lowering its horned head.

Kopaka glared at the brown Toa with distaste. How dare he suggest something so foolish? Did Pohatu think him some sort of traitor? He turned his attention back to the Rahi, brandishing his sword and shield.

"Hmm, do you think this big fellow is an ally or enemy?" Pohatu commented with a slight smile.

Kopaka could not hide his look of disbelief or his annoyance when he realized the Toa of Stone was joking. This was not the time for jokes. Actually, there was no logical time for joking. "Come on. I think we'd better – " Kopaka was cut off by another thunderous bellow as the monster decided to charge.

" - Run!" Pohatu finished.

The two Toa started running from the beast, which unfortunately meant uphill. Well, Kopaka ran, but Pohatu slipped on the ice and fell repeatedly. Seeing his teammate in trouble, Kopaka stopped short and sprinted back downhill. 'Useless, useless,' he grumbled.

"No! Kopaka don't! It's too dangerous," Pohatu warned him.

'Looks who's talking about dangerous.' Aloud he snapped, "Don't be ridiculous."

Then Kopaka waved his arms and shouted, trying to get the creature's attention away from Pohatu. He was faster and more adept to the icy terrain. If he could get its attention, Pohatu would be able to get out of the way. The beast paused at Kopaka's surprisingly loud shouts, but the dumb creature turned its attention back to Pohatu, the easier prey.

'Time for Plan B,' Kopaka thought, looking around for ideas. Off to his left down the mountain a ways there was a deep, icy ravine. He generated a new idea in a second and speedily skied toward the Toa of Stone. There was not any time to explain in detail, and he hoped Pohatu's obedience was as simple as his loyalty.

"Heads up!" Kopaka yelled. "And arms out!"

Though he looked startled, Pohatu obeyed instantly. The next second, Kopaka slammed into him, grabbing him around the chest and continuing down the mountain, gaining speed. Kopaka's legs shook under the extra weight of the Toa of Stone. 'I have to straighten out,' Kopaka told himself, desperately trying to cope with the awkward weight, 'Otherwise we'll never make it.'

Behind them the beast was gaining on them, roaring in rage with snow spraying behind in its wake.

"Where are - we going?" Pohatu gasped, jostled by the bumpy ride.

The Toa of Ice was glad to see that Pohatu was not struggling. But he could not respond. It was hard enough trying to keep his balance on their downhill ski without trying to speak too. Luckily, Kopaka regained his balance before they reached the ravine. Pohatu's eyes widened when he spotted the chasm they were on a crash course with.

"Hey! What are you – "

With a fast-frozen ice ramp, the two flew up and over the wide gap, Pohatu screaming directly in Kopaka's ears. The Toa of Ice's aim was perfect and they passed safely over the canyon. But when Kopaka's feet slammed onto ground, he wobbled and fell on top of Pohatu.

Pohatu sat up and spit out a mouthful of snow. He shoved Kopaka off him. "What the - why did you do that? You could have gotten us killed!" he cried as he stood up.

Kopaka pointed back across the ravine. "That's why."

The creature skidded, squealing in terror. But with its current momentum, the Rahi lost traction and fell into the fissure. After a few moments of silence, there was a thud as the monster hit the bottom, followed by a furious cry.

"Oh," Pohatu said. Then he laughed sheepishly. "Er, thanks. Guess I owe you one, brother."

Kopaka nodded and leaned over the edge of the ravine, looking at the Rahi as it laboriously began to climb out. "It will be able to climb out of there soon enough," Kopaka observed, watching the beast's slow progress.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Pohatu countered with a happy smile. He quickly climbed partway up a cliff next to them. Kopaka was startled to see the cumbersome Toa move so quickly. "You might want to step aside," he warned over his shoulder.

Kopaka gladly walked a little further down the slope, his legs still feeling shaky from the impact of the jump. His mood darkened as he thought about meeting with the rest of the Toa after Pohatu finished…whatever he was doing. Turaga Nuju and Matoro made it clear the six were to work together, but he did not like the thought of relying on others. Already, one teammate alone had put him in danger twice.

Pohatu shouted gleefully as he gave the mountain a mighty kick. Stone fragments rained down. He kicked another section and sent more stone into the ravine. "Okay, this is too slow," he said as the dust settled. "Let's try something else."

'What's he up to now?' Kopaka wondered. He hoped that whatever his new plan was did not involve more unannounced noise. His ears were still hurting from the Stone Toa's earlier scream.

Pohatu slammed his fists deep into the rock. The whole cliff side began rumbling ominously. It was the same thunderous noise Kopaka had heard just before being rudely introduced to the Toa of Stone. Instinctively he raised his shield over his head. However he had nothing to fear as only a few little pebbles bounced off as the rest of it fell purposefully into the ravine.

"Whoa!" Pohatu exclaimed excitedly as the noise began to die down. "That was so cool! I mean, I was pretty sure it would work, but still..."

Kopaka stepped to the edge again. The creature was almost completely buried in stone. Hearing Pohatu's heavy footfalls, Kopaka turned to face him. "It will be able to escape - but not for a long while."

Pohatu peered down at the trapped beast. "That was close, though. What is that thing anyway?"

Kopaka began working his way down the slope again, remembering to move slowly for Pohatu's sake. "Rahi. That's what the Turaga said they're called. There are many species, all shapes and sizes. They're not very friendly."

Pohatu gave a short laugh. "No kidding. I've seen Rahi before, but what kind was that?"

Kopaka didn't know. He was saved from embarrassment as the Toa of Stone fell on his face again. "Less talking," Kopaka scolded.

The Toa of Stone was silent until they reached the less icy foothills.

"So, what did you see from up there anyway? From the peak I mean."

For once, the Toa of Ice answered. "Strangers. Beings of great power."

Right as he finished they came to a step on the apex of a hill. Below were four bright spots of color against the dreary stone and dirt. One was bright red and orange with burning pink eyes; another was brilliant blue with golden eyes; the third was a shorter and black with deep green eyes; the last was completely green from Mask to feet.

"But are they allies," Kopaka murmured cautiously as he stared down at them, "Or enemies?"

Pohatu obviously did not have any doubts about the strangers as he leaped down to join them. He smiled and waved jovially. "Mind if we join the party?"

The red one stepped toward them challengingly, almost threateningly. "I am Tahu, Toa of Fire. Who are you?" he ordered. His title was unquestionable with feat flowing from him like a portable sun.

'Seems quite demanding and bossy,' Kopaka thought in disgust. Despite Pohatu's clumsy stupidity, he would gladly choose the Toa of Stone over this Toa of Fire.

"I'm Pohatu," the unquenchably good-humored Toa introduced himself, ignoring Tahu's glare and tone. "Toa of Stone. My talkative friend there is the Ice Toa, Kopaka." He pointed over his shoulder at Kopaka, who was still lingering behind.

'Six Toa, and so far two of them are idiots,' he thought broodingly as he joined the circle of Toa.