The Sands of Mata Nui
KAPAKAPA NUI
It is said that in the days when the Toa first walked upon the world,
the skies were black with the wings of the Kapakapa Nui. The immense
insects laid waste to the face of Mata Nui, devouring all that lay in their
path and leaving nothing behind but bare soil and scoured rock.
Today, the Kapakapa Nui seems a transformed breed. Despite their great
size and scythe-like slicing jaws, they are harmless and even-tempered
creatures, content to slowly graze upon grass, leaves and shrubs.
Although their appetites may be as large as their armored bodies, they are
uncommon enough that they do little lasting damage to the island's flora.
If threatened, a Kapakapa Nui will simply hop into the air and fly away
with a deep droning of its wings, off in search of a more peaceful spot
to graze. Their ringing call is also produced by these rapidly-vibrating
wings, used by the great insects to commune with one another across vast
distances at nightfall. It is a familiar and welcome sound for the Tohunga
of nearby villages, and has been poetically described as a soothing
lullaby.
But what of the scourge of legend? What of the all-consuming swarm? It
seems almost laughable to think of the placid Kapakapa Nui as a menace,
but the Turaga of Mata Nui have never been quite sure. For now, they keep
careful count of the numbers and feeding grounds of the Kapakapa Nui -
and watch for signs of the Makuta's corrupting touch.
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