CN3 - 9 - Lava

The creature merely raised its shield, deflecting Tahu’s blows easily. Then it pointed the shield toward the ground. Seconds later, the hardened and cooled magma had melted into a boiling puddle of fresh lava.

Tahu felt himself sinking into the newly created puddle. To his surprise, he could feel the burning sensation of the boiling lava on his feet and legs. He leaped backward, landing on the solid ground behind him. Steam rose from his feet.

Uh-oh, he thought in horror. I didn’t realize that my ability to withstand intense heat had deserted me along with my other elemental powers.

“Are you through with me yet, oh, great Toa?” the Pahrak-Kal taunted.

The creature’s scornful tone only fanned the flames of Tahu’s anger. “Believe me, when I’m through with you, you won’t have to ask.”

This time the Pahrak-Kal took a step toward him as it raised its shield. The wave of heat that rippled out from the shield surrounded Tahu, filling his body with searing fire.

Tahu realized all he had to do was fall back again and the heat would stop. All he had to do was retreat. But he couldn’t – that would mean letting the Pahrak-Kal win. Giving up.

So this monster wants to fight me with my own element? he thought as the fire filled his body, seeming to burn him up from the inside out. Fine, then let it do its worst. Better to burn out than to give up...

“Toa Tahu!” a voice shouted from somewhere nearby. Distracted, the Pahrak-Kal turned, at the same time shifting the aim of its shield. Tahu slumped to the ground, gasping at the sudden disappearance of the pain.

As he collapsed, he glanced up and saw Jala, the head of the Ta-Koro guard. Several other Ta-Matoran stood behind him. The Pahrak-Kal watched the newcomers approach.

“Is this your rescue party, Toa?” it hissed with amusement. “They’re a little on the puny side.”

“Leave us alone, creature!” Jala shouted boldly.

The Pahrak-Kal gazed at the Matoran. “I have no quarrel with any of you, weak ones,” it said. “Your hotheaded Toa is the one who wished to test my powers.”

With that it turned and moved on along the ridge. Tahu pushed himself to a sitting position as Jala kneeled beside him.

“Are you all right, Toa Tahu?” the Matoran asked with concern.

Tahu pushed aside his helping hand. “I’m fine,” he said brusquely, climbing to his feet. “And I’ll be even better once I take care of that thing.”

“Toa!” Jala cried, grabbing his arm. “Please, stop! You’ll get yourself hurt!”

“Better that than living as a coward,” Tahu snapped, shaking off the Matoran’s grip.