Chapter One

It was dark, with only a patch of dim blue light on the ground. Hahli walked into the patch of light and looked around before a bright white light engulfed her.

The Ga-Matoran awoke in a Ga-Koro hut looking out on Naho Bay. There was a hole in the roof of the hut through which water was leaking in. A Lightfish in a glass container provided illumination to the room.

Hahli left the hut and took a path to the right, to another hut, which she entered to find another Ga-Matoran working at a loom, who turned to speak to her.

✴        ✴        ✴

“Thank the Spirit you’re awake!” the Matoran exclaimed. “I thought you were going to sleep all day. Did the storm keep you up last night?”

“Who are you?” Hahli asked.

“What a question! I’m Amaya, silly. You must still be asleep!” the Ga-Matoran replied.

“There was a storm?” Hahli inquired.

“It passed out to sea this morning. It made a big mess, and we don’t have much time!” Amaya said back. “There’s a lot of chores to do.”

“Time? For what?” Hahli questioned.

“Haven’t you heard? When Turaga Nokama returns, she’s going to make some big announcement. There’s a lot of rumors going around…”

“Rumors?”

“The word is, Nokama’s going to pick Macku and Kotu to represent Ga-Koro in the Great Kolhii Tournament. They’re the best players we’ve got! It’s a great honor, and I’m sure there will be a big party.”

“Nokama?”

“Turaga Nokama is out of town, meeting with the other Turaga about a Tournament. Everyone thinks that when she returns, there will be a big ceremony in the town square. But the storm knocked out the bridge — we can’t get there until it’s fixed.”

“Kolhii Tournament?”

“I don’t know much about it, just rumors. That’s why we need to fix the bridge before she gets back!”

“Macku and Kotu?”

“They’re the best Kolhii players we’ve got. They’re heroes! Why wouldn’t she pick them? She certainly wouldn’t pick someone like you or I. We’ve never played Kolhii in our lives!”

“What mess?”

“Well, there’s a hole in your roof, and the bridge into town is broken. And I still have to make some Flax for Kai.”

“Flax?”

“To make it, I scrape Harakeke Plants with Cowrie Shells to extract the fibre. If you bring some to me I can make more Flax.”

“Cowrie Shells?”

“There’s lots of different kinds of seashells around Ga-Koro. You can often find small ones in the East Garden.”

“Harakeke Plants?”

“You can find Harakeke Plants growing around town, mostly, and along the beach. They are strong, though so you need a Sickle to cut them, unless you’re lucky enough to find some that’s already been cut. They don’t take very long to grow back.”

“A Sickle?”

“If you don’t have one, I’m sure someone in Ga-Koro can make it for you, if you have some bamboo and spare Cowrie Shells.”

“A hole?”

“Yes, the storm knocked it in. You can fix it easily with some Seaweed, probably.”

“Seaweed?”

“I’m sure there’s some growing in the East Garden. Collect some and put it in your satchel. Once you’ve gotten onto your roof just lay it onto the hole there.”

“The bridge?”

“We can’t get into town until it’s fixed. It looks like the counterweight got snagged. It’s high up but if we could hit it with something, it will probably come loose. Also the waterwheel looks broken.”

“Hit it? How?”

“A Throwing Disc would be perfect for that. If you need one, you can borrow mine, but I’d have to find it. Maybe I can look for it after I get this Flax done.”

“Waterwheel?”

“Yes, I think some of its flanges were broken in the storm. If you can find some Large Seashells they should be easy to replace.”

“Large Seashells?”

“Last time I was at your hut I think I saw some there. I’m not surprised you can’t find them, though — your place must be a mess with all that rain pouring through the hole in your roof! I bet that if you fixed the hole and let it dry out in there, you might be able to find things!”

“Kai?”

“You know, the Sailor. She’s so proud of the Rope and String she makes… but you and I know it’s only strong because she uses our Flax to make it!”

“Chores? I don’t want to do any chores!”

“We have to do our chores, Hahli, it’s our duty. Not everyone can go running around Mata-Nui like that Takua from Ta-Koro, having adventures.”

“My duty?”

“Everyone in Ga-Koro has a duty. You and I make Flax, that’s what we do. Maybe it isn’t as exciting as what Macku and Kotu are going to do, but it’s still important.”

“I’ve got to go. Goodbye!” Hahli said.

“Goodbye! Come see me again if you need any help,” Amaya replied as she turns back to her work.

Hahli traveled back to the lily pad her hut rested on and went further down. There a hut and a grove of bamboo trees were present, with cut Harakeke. She collected the Harakeke and entered the hut, which bore a sign saying ‘East Garden’, to see a pool in the center. She dove into the pool, and started gathering Cowrie Shells and Seaweed from the water. Once she finished, she swam back to the surface and left the hut.

Hahli returned to her house and then ascended a ladder leaning against it. She took the Seaweed out of her satchel and placed it onto the hole in her hut’s roof. Hahli then climbed back down and entered her hut to find a Large Seashell lying in a puddle, which she picked up and placed in her satchel. She walked back to Amaya’s hut.

“I have Harakeke and Cowrie Shells,” Hahli informed her.

“Great! Thanks! Just give me a moment…” Amaya returned. “There, done. Here’s some Flax to bring to Kai. Oh, and while you were out, I found my Throwing Disc. Maybe you can use it to hit the bridge counterweight loose.”

Hahli then left and walked back to the East Garden. Turning left, she found the bridge waterwheel, with a shell missing. She took out the Large Shell from her bag and used it to repair the waterwheel which began spinning briskly. Hahli turned back and climbed onto the bridge platform, taking out the disk which she used to knock the bridge counterweight free. By pressing a lever, the bridge sprang across, connecting the platform to the town square.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli wandered south through the square, and then across a causeway to a lilypad with a large gate marked ‘Ga-Koro Kolhii Field’. She crossed the causeway opposite the gate to another pad, with a single hut. She turned and crossed the causeway to the left, arriving at a hut with a small garden of Harakeke next to it. She entered to find another Ga-Matoran spinning a ship’s wheel.

“Ahoy, Matey!” the other Matoran said. “Did Amaya make some Flax for me?”

“I have some Flax for you,” Hahli replied.

“Thanks! Here’s some Widgets!” the Matoran said, gratefully.

“Widgets?” Hahli asked.

“Sure! You can use Widgets to barter for things.”

“Barter?”

“You know, trade,” said the other. “You can usually get them from plants and animals and things, around the beach. But you can trade for them in town, until the gate is unlocked. Everyone wants them!”

“The beach?” Hahli inquired.

“Macku and Kotu locked the gate until Turaga Nokama gets back. It’s safer that way!”

“Who are you?” asked Hahli.

“I’m Kai the Sailor! As everyone knows, sailors make the best rope!”

“Rope?”

“And string, too,” Kai replied. “Good rope is hard to find! If you’ve got any flax, I can make us some. Strong and light, no sailor should slip port without it!”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“Come and see me again if you make some flax!” Kai said.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli left the hut and wanders over to the Ga-Koro gate, interested in what Kai mentioned about Macku and Kai locking it. As she was walking over, she happened to run into another Ga-Matoran who was studying it closely.

“Hm… the gate’s secure… got to check on that causeway,” the Matoran murmured. “Maybe I should make some more poles…”

“Who are you?” Hahli asked.

The Ga-Matoran turned and eyed Hahli quizzically. “I’m Kotu!”

“What are you doing?”

“Making sure the gate is locked,” Kotu turned and starts back for the village, and Hahli hurried after her.

“Locked?”

Kotu nodded. “When Nokama went away she told me to keep the town gate locked. The Dark Times are over, so there’s no real danger any more… but she wants to be safe.”

“What was that about poles?”

“I do a lot of carving. If you’ve got 15 Bamboo wood, I can make one for you.”

Hahli appreciated the offer, but she wasn’t sure what she would need poles for. She bidded Kotu farewell.

Hahli quickly returned to the north area of the square. As she was passing through, she found a Ga-Matoran sitting by herself on the edge of one of the lily pads.

“I don’t know why Nokama gave me that odd expression. I only offered to help…” she muses.

“Who are you?” Hahli asks.

“I am Visloa,” the Ga-Matoran replies. “I try to help keep the village clean and tidy.”

“Clean?”

“You’d be surprised how dirty a water village can get!”

Hahli nods, taking her word for it. “Goodbye.”

“Goodbye!”

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli entered the hut to the northeast where, unsurprisingly, she found another Ga-Matoran.

“Hi Hahli! Are you here to help?” the other Matoran asked.

“Help?” Hahli inquired.

“Kotu and I are in charge until Nokama gets back. We have a lot of important errands to do!” the other replied.

Hahli figured this must be the Matoran Amaya told her about earlier. “Nokama?” she asked.

“She’s been away at the Kini-Nui, meeting with Turaga from all the other villages,” Macku replied. “I think they’re talking about a Kolhii tournament! It’s very exciting!”

“Kini-Nui?” Hahli asked.

“The great temple in the center of the island, past the Gate of Ice,” Macku replied. “I was there once, a long time ago, with Takua.”

“Takua?” Hahli asked, remembering that Amaya mentioned him before.

“Takua the Chronicler!” Macku said. “Er, it’s a long story.”

“Important errands?” Hahli said.

“Kotu and I are in charge of everything while she’s gone, and it’s a lot of work!” Macku said, referring to Nokama.

“Can I help?” Hahli asid.

“Well, if there’s going to be a tournament, I’ll need a new Kolhii stick!” Macku said. “I’ve been trying to make one, but I could really use some help. If you have one, I’ll give you a lot of widgets for it!”

“When is she coming back?” Hahli asked, referring again to Nokama.

“Oh, it will probably be a full moon before she’s back again,” Macku said. “The Kini-Nui is very far away!”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“See you later!” Macku replied.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli left and entered the hut opposite Macku’s. Inside, she found another Ga-Matoran in a room full of maps.

“Hm… Latitude 15, Longitude… hmm…” the Matoran mumbled. “Eh?” she asks, noticing Hahli.

“Who are you?” Hahli asked.

“I’m Nireta, the Navigator,” she replied. “I make maps and charts.”

“Navigator?” Hahli asked.

“The Wall of Stars is my guide at sea. That is, if I have a chart!” Nireta said.

“Wall of Stars?” said Hahli.

“In Ta-Koro stands the Wall of History. In Ko-Koro, the Wall of Prophecy. In Ga-Koro, our Wall is above us… the Great Blanket of Stars that stretches over Mata Nui, floating in the endless sea.”

“Chart?” Hahli asked.

“I make maps and charts!” Nireta said. “If you’ve ever been sailing, I’m sure you’d find them handy. We know very little of what lies beyond the shores of Mata Nui…”

“I’d like a map of Ga-Koro,” Hahli said.

“Well, I’ve only got a few…” Nireta said. “I’ll part with one for, say, 5 widgets.”

“I’ll take it,” Hahli said.

“Here you go!” Nireta said, handing Hahli the map. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a lot of work to do…”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“Goodbye,” Nireta replied.

✴        ✴        ✴

When she is back outside, Hahli takes a look at the map. It not only showed how to get around the Koro, but also who lived where, something Hahli found especially useful. She studied the map briefly and then decided to go to Kailani the Crafter. Using the map, she located Kailani’s hut and entered.

“Hi, Hahli. How are things?” a Ga-Matoran in the middle of the room said.

“Who are you?” Hahli asked. Although this was probably Kailani, she wanted to make sure.

“I’m Kailani, the Craftswoman,” the other Ga-Matoran said. “I can make all kinds of tools for you, if you bring me the materials.”

“What tools?”

“Fishhooks, Sickles, Hatchets, Kolhii Sticks…”

“Fishhooks?”

“They’re good for a lot of things…” Kailani said. “Including fishing, of course. To make one, all I need is a Cowrie Shell.”

“Sickles?”

“You can use Sickles to cut Harakeke and other plants,” Kailani replied. “To make one I need 20 Bamboo Wood and 5 Cowrie Shells.”

“Hatchets?”

“Hatchets are good for cutting wood!” Kailani said. “To make one I need 10 Bamboo and 10 Cowrie Shells.”

“Kolhii Sticks?” Hahli asked, remembering that this is what Macku asked for.

“For playing Kolhii, of course!” Kailani said. “To make one, I need a Bamboo Pole, a Net, and a Fishhook.”

“Can you make something for me?” Hahli asked.

“Sure!” replied Kailani. “I need one Cowrie Shell per Fishhook, 20 Bamboo Wood and 5 Cowrie Shells for a Sickle, and 10 Bamboo Wood and 10 Cowrie Shells for a Hatchet. For a Kolhii Stick I need a Bamboo Pole, a Net, and 2 Fishhooks.”

Hahli checked her bag and saw that all she had enough supplies for were Fishhooks. She decided to save for a Hatchet, since she needed Bamboo for a Kolhii Stick.

“Goodbye,” Hahli said as she left the hut.

“Goodbye,” said Kailani.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli headed down to the shipyards, and encountered a Ga-Matoran working on a boat.

“Watch your step!” she barked. “This is a shipyard, not a playground! Have you got any supplies?”

“Who are you?” asked Hahli.

“I’m Marka, the Shipwright! If you need a boat, I’m your girl! But don’t ask me about it now. I’m trying to get ahold of some supplies.”

Her stern tone left no room for negotiation, so Hahli says, “Goodbye.”

Marka says something, but she’s already back to work. “Grunt”

Hahli continued down the docks, past a large, green boat to the end of the dock. There, she found a pile of Bamboo, and picked it up, planning to use it for a Hatchet. She then went back to the East Garden and collected enough Cowrie Shells for a Hatchet. Once she emerged, she made her way back to Kailani.

“I’d like a Hatchet,” Hahli asked.

“No problem!” said Kailani, handing Hahli the newly crafted Hatchet. “There you are, a Bamboo Hatchet. Careful with that, it’s sharp!”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said gratefully.

“Goodbye,” Kailani said.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli goes to the hut opposite Kailani’s. On the map, this hut was marked as belonging to Kotu, Nokama’s attendant whom she had spoken to near the gate. Hahli entered to find the Ga-Matoran in the middle of the room.

“Hello, Hahli. Are you busy?” Kotu asked, looking up.

“No,” Hahli replied.

“Good! I need your help,” she said. “Nokama’s been at a conference with the other Turaga and I think they are deciding on a great Kolhii tournament!”

“Kolhii tournament?” Hahli asked.

“Yes!” Kotu said excitedly. “When she comes back I’m sure she’s going to pick me to play in it. If that happens someone is going to have to take over my work!”

“Work?” Hahli asked.

“As Nokama’s attendant I help her take care of the town,” Kotu said. “Which means I have to help everyone do their job!”

“Job?” Hahli asked.

“Yes! Amaya makes flax, Shasa does the weaving, Marka builds ships…” Kotu said. “I usually help gather supplies, and take care of the tame Rahi. If I’m training for Kolhii all the time, I’ll need you to do that for me!”

“What should I do now?” Hahli asked.

“Well, you won’t officially start until Nokama comes back and tells everyone that I’m Ga-Koro’s champion forward,” Kotu said confidently. “But until then, you can practice getting supplies and bringing them to people around town.”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said, going out the door.

“Goodbye!” said Kotu.

Hahli then started exploring Ga-Koro in search of Bamboo Wood. Once she had gathered enough for a sickle, she returned to the East Garden for more Cowrie Shells. Eventually, she gathered enough supplies for a sickle, and returned to Kailani.

“I’d like a Sickle,” said Hahli.

“One Sickle, coming up!” said Kailani. Moments later she handed the tool over to Hahli and said “Here you go! One Bamboo Sickle.”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“Goodbye,” Kailani replied.

Hahli then left and gathered up as much Harakeke as she could with her new sickle. Eventually, she had 300 Harakeke plants, enough for 50 Flax. She returned to the East Garden, and gathered up 52 Cowrie Shells. Now that she had enough supplies for 50 Flax, she returned to Amaya.

“Hi again, Hahli,” Amaya said. “If you’re not busy, I could sure use some help making more Flax. We should bring as much as we can to Kai, so she can make Rope.”

“Can I help you make Flax?” Hahli asked.

“Sure!” said Amaya. “If you give me Harakeke plants and Cowrie Shells, I will give you Flax.”

Hahli then gave Amaya some Harakeke and Cowrie Shells, and they got to work, making enough flax for 10 balls of String. Once they were done, Hahli went to Kai’s hut.

“Ahoy, matey!” Kai said cheerfully. “Hope you’ve brought some Flax. I could sure use some help making Rope!”

“Can I help with anything?” Hahli asked.

“Sure!” Kai said. “If you give me Flax, I can make us some String. With String, I can make Rope. Which will it be?”

“I’d like some String,” Hahli said.

“Okay. I need 5 Flax for each String,” Kai replied.

Hahli traded 50 Flax for 10 Strings—just enough for a Net from Shasa.

“Here you go!” said Kai.

“Goodbye,” Hahli said as she leaves.

“See you!”

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli walked down the causeway to the next hut, marked on the map as belonging to Shasa, the Weaver.

“Isn’t it wonderful how everyone here works together?” asked a Ga-Matoran by a loom, whom she supposed to be Shasa.

“Works together?” Hahli asked.

“As I sit and do my weaving,” the Matoran explained, “I can feel the Great Spirit smiling in his sleep.”

“Smiling?” Hahli asked.

“Unity makes Mata Nui smile,” the Matoran continued. “Like the unity in this cloth I weave… and the unity of the Ga-Matoran. From Unity comes Purity!”

“Who are you?” Hahli asked, just to make sure this is Shasa.

“I’m Shasa, the Weaver,” she said.

“What do you work on?” Hahli asked.

“I weave Nets, Sailcloth, and Rigging,” Shasa said. “I could use help making them! I need 10 String for a Net, and 20 Seaweed for a Sailcloth. For Rigging I need 10 Rope, 20 Bamboo Wood, and 5 Nets.”

“I’d like a Net,” Hahli asked, remembering that it was one of the materials needed for Macku’s Kolhii Stick.

“No problem!” Shasa said, getting right to work. In a short while, she was finished, and handed the Net to Hahli. “Here you go.”

“Goodbye,” Hahli said, accepting the Net.

“Gali’s Wisdom go with you,” said Shasa.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hahli hurried back to Kotu, for the Kolhii Stick’s Bamboo Pole.

“Will you trade with me?” Hahli asked Kotu when she entered.

“I can carve you a pole, if you want,” Kotu replied. “All I need is 15 Bamboo Wood.”

“Here’s 15 Bamboo wood for a Bamboo pole,” Hahli said, handing Kotu the Bamboo.

“No problem…” said Kotu as she started to carve. When she was done, she handed the pole over to Hahli. “Here you go, one Bamboo pole.”

Hahli took it gratefully and then left for Kailani’s hut, which she hoped would be her last stop before delivering the Kolhii Stick. When she arrived, she told Kailani, “I’d like a Fishhook.”

“Sure thing,” Kailani said. “Here it is. I hope it brings you luck!”

But Hahli’s next request surprised her. “I’d like a Kolhii Stick.”

“Really?” Kailani asked Hahli. “Whatever for?”

“To play Kolhii,” Hahli teased, winking. Technically it was true. It’s just that she wasn’t the one who was playing Kolhii.

“If you say so…” Kailani said as she got to work. As she worked, her eyes lit up. “Oh, I see. It’s a present for Macku or Kotu! Very well. One moment…”

Kailani finally finished and handed over the Stick to Hahli. “Here you go!”

Hahli took it and said goodbye, making her way to Macku’s home.

“I have a Kolhii Stick for you,” Hahli said as she entered.

“Great job, Hahli!” Macku said with delight. “Making this had to be a lot of work. This is going to come in handy when Kotu and I have to train for Kolhii! Here, take these widgets! You’ll find them useful when Nokama opens the town back up.”

Hahli left the Kolhii Stick with Macku and exited. She now decided to focus on gathering supplies for the Ga-Matoran, preparing for her assumption of Kotu’s responsibilities, and also to continue helping Amaya make and deliver Flax.

However, as she did so, a bell started ringing from the square. As Hahli looked for the source of the bell, she encountered Amaya, Kai, Macku, Kailani, Kotu, Shasa, and Marka who explained that the noise heralded the return of the Turaga. She followed the other Ga-Matoran to the center of the Koro, where Nokama had finally arrived.