BC3 - Stolen Symbols

Finally, Onepu continued. “Its words were as metallic and cold as its body,” he said, his voice twisted with horror. “It told me to step aside so that it might claim its prize. When I would not, it — it began to breathe in. Within seconds, it had sucked away all the air within the suva. I tried to hold my post, but with no air, I found myself helpless. It pushed past me and grabbed the icon — and then it was gone.

Onua turned the story over and over in his mind. Who was this new, mysterious enemy with such strange and disturbing powers? What did it want with Onua’s power symbol?

“What does it mean, Toa?” Onepu asked meekly. “Why did it happen?”

“I thought these icons were merely that — symbols of we Toa’s elemental powers, artistic tributes to our destiny,” Onua said slowly, allowing the careful logic of his thoughts to unfold aloud. “But now I see that the icons actually held these powers within them. As long as my icon remained in the village, my power remained strong. Now that the symbol is gone, so are my powers.”

It was an uncomfortable feeling. Onua was accustomed to being the strongest of the strong. Now he was left helpless — and it seemed that a powerful new enemy had appeared on Mata Nui.

Just when we thought Makuta’s forces were stamped out for good… Onua thought. He recalled Gali’s words earlier that day. As usual, she had been right — she had been the only one with the wisdom to realize that Makuta would not be finished with them yet.

“What should we do now?” Onepu asked. “Should I call out the Ussal forces and go after the thief?”

“Not just yet,” Onua said. “Go tell the Turaga what has happened. I’d better check in with the other Toa Nuva. Together we will decide what to do.”

[...]

Kopaka Nuva glided slowly down the snowy slope, reminding himself to be careful. While he could still ski, he no longer had the ability to control the ice beneath his feet. That skill had deserted him along with all the rest of them.

It’s beginning to seem that Gali’s earlier worries were well-founded, he thought bleakly. Our split seemed almost too easy this time. As if it were destined to happen — or as if someone or something wanted it to happen.

He still couldn’t believe that his elemental powers had suddenly deserted him. It was only thanks to his determination — and the help of Turaga Nuju — that he had survived his sudden tumble off of a crumbling ice bridge.

As soon as he heard that the Ice Toa’s powers were gone, the Turaga had suggested that Kopaka seek out the others. If it had happened to all of them… Well, there was no telling what might become of Mata Nui in that case.

Before long Kopaka left the snow behind and climbed down to the Toa’s usual meeting place. To his relief, both Pohatu Nuva and Tahu Nuva were waiting for him in the clearing.

“I guess this means the icon thief has struck in Ko-Koro, too, ice brother,” Pohatu said by way of greeting.

Kopaka nodded.

“Whoever or whatever this for may be, it will regret stealing our powers!” Tahu raged. “I will make sure of that!” He raised his magma sword for emphasis. Instead of its usual flickering flame, the sword merely smoked weakly.

“Anger will not help us,” Kopaka pointed out. “We need to unite, to form a plan.”

Tahu let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Has the thief stolen my hearing as well?” he exclaimed. “I would swear I just heard Kopaka, the Toa of Doing His Own Thing, suggest that we unite!”

“Brothers, brothers,” Pohatu pleaded. “Enough with the petty disagreements. We have enough problems without that. Let’s try to work together here, okay?”

“Good advice at any time.” Onua Nuva’s voice interrupted the tense moment. He strode into the clearing and glanced around. “But especially important now, I think. All of you — you’ve lost your elemental powers, too?”

Each Toa nodded. “I think it’s safe to assume that Gali and Lewa will have been struck as well,” Pohatu added.

“You’re right about that,” Lewa said, hurrying into the clearing just in time to respond. “Found that out in a wrongmoment back in Le-Koro.”

Onua nodded. “Then we need to decide what to do.”

“I know what to do,” Tahu spoke up at once. “Find the thief and take the symbols back. End of plan.”

Kopaka sighed. Typical Tahu — all bluster with no thought. “That’s no plan,” he said icily. “That’s suicide.”

“Kopaka is right,” Pohatu agreed. “Without our powers, and knowing not what we might be facing, it would be foolish to rush into action.”


- BIONICLE Chronicles 3: Makuta's Revenge, Chapters 4 and 5