BC4 - Team Strength

But already it was too late for plans. With a roar so loud it almost knocked the Toa off their feet, the Rahi Nui emerged from the tunnel before the shocked eyes of Mata Nui’s defenders.

It was bigger than anything any of them had ever seen, at least three times the size of a Toa. Its shape was right out of a Matoran’s nightmare. The head of the beast was that of a Kane-Ra, the powerful Rahi bull, with long, sharp horns that could pierce solid rock with ease. Its forelegs were those of the Tarakava, the marine Rahi whose powerful arms could deliver a stunning blow to even a Takea shark.

Tahu instinctively cloaked the others in a shield as the creature padded into the chamber. Its body and hind legs were those of Muaka, the great cat whose powerful claws could shred solid protodermis. It also possessed the stinging scorpionlike tail of the Nui-Jaga, and a larger version of the Nui-Rama’s insectoid wings.

“I never imagined my destiny would be to be flattened by a walking zoo,” said Pohatu.

“Mata Nui is full of surprises,” Gali replied. “This is not one of the pleasant ones.”

[...]

Lewa staggered to his feet, followed by Tahu and Onua. Kopaka gestured for them to stay where they were, then turned to Pohatu. “Brother, we could use a bit of your speed… and your aim,” he said, gesturing toward the ceiling.

“Gifts I gladly give!” answered Pohatu. The Toa of Stone shared the power of the Mask of Speed with his friends, endowing each with the ability to move at superspeed. “Let us give this beast’s dull brain something to think about!”

The six Toa now circled the Rahi Nui. As soon as it would focus on one, that Toa would disappear in a burst of speed only to reappear somewhere else. Soon, all six were appearing in one spot for an instant, then vanishing again and popping up in another. The Rahi Nui reacted as if it were under attack by a swarm of gnats, snarling and swiping at empty air.

Pohatu saw his opportunity. He joined his climbing claws into a ball and flung it at the ceiling, shearing through a dozen stalactites. The sharp stones rained down on the Rahi Nui, further enraging the beast.

“I believe we have upset this creature.” Onua chuckled as he allowed the power of the Mask of Strength to fill his comrades. “Perhaps it can use some time off its feet.”

Acting as one, the Toa slammed their fists on the floor. Their added strength created a massive shockwave that traveled to the center of the chamber, knocking the Rahi Nui onto its side. It bellowed and tried to right itself, but a second shockwave brought it down again.

“This is more joyfun than kolhii ball,” said Lewa. “At least until we run out of ideas.”

“Perhaps I can help,” said Vakama. His voice filled the chamber, but there was no sign of him. The Turaga had invoked the power of the Mask of Concealment he wore. “Rahi! You have heard this voice before! It belongs to the one who trapped you so long ago!”

Tahu looked at Gali, both wearing expressions of surprise. Vakama, with his Noble Mask and his firestaff, had beaten this monster before? How was that possible?

The Rahi Nui rose again. It definitely did seem to recognize — and hate — that voice. Worse, it could not see where the voice was coming from. It roared in rage.


- BIONICLE Chronicles 4: Tales of the Masks, Chapter 6