Excerpt Eight

Toa Kaita Akamai narrowly dodged the snapping claw of a Manas. The great Rahi backed off and regarded him warily. Never before had any creature of Mata Nui survived so long in combat with a Manas, and it seemed that Makuta’s guardians were beginning to feel a trace of fear.

“You are frightening to tiny Hoto bugs and perhaps a lame Fusa, Rahi,” Akamai said in a voice like thunder. “But I fear you not.”

“Do not taunt them, Akamai,” Toa Kaita Wairuha said. “They are servants of Makuta, no worse than the other Rahi we have conquered. Let us do this quickly.”

The words were barely out of Wairuha’s mouth when one of the twin Manas launched itself at him. Even with his vast power, the Toa Kaita was staggered. Employing all his might, he tore the crab-like beast from him and hurled it away.

The Manas struck the far wall and paused, stunned, for a moment. But it's hard shell had protected it from any serious harm, and it soon was skittering back into the fray.

“This has gone on long enough,” Wairuha said. The Toa Kaita formed from Gali, Lewa, and Kopaka drew upon the elements at his command — ice, water, and wind — creating a devastating blizzard. Little by little, he exerted his control over the storm, compressing it down into a single beam of pure energy.

Heedless of the danger, the Manas advanced into the path of the cold blast. Instantly, their limbs began to stiffen, their movements to slow. Soon, their bodies were covered with a thick coating of ice and snow and they succumbed, at last, to the power of winter unleashed…

“Are they dead?” Akamai asked.

“No, merely frozen solid,” said Wairuha. “The victory is ours, and now… and now…”

Wairuha shuddered and sagged against the wall. There was a blinding flash, and suddenly the Toa Kaita was gone. In his place were the three Toa who had merged their forms to create him. A moment later, Akamai followed suit, reverting to Tahu, Pohatu and Onua.

“The energy… to remain in that form… too great,” Tahu said. “We must go on from here as individuals…”

“No, not as individuals,” Onua said quietly. “As a team.”